Where Cops Learn to Drive Like That

Screaming into a 60-degree turn, the black-and-white begins to decelerate rapidly while the rear end of the Caprice swings artfully through the cones, leaving a black rubber signature along the way.

Midway through the hairpin turn the engine roars again as the driver punches the accelerator, propelling the sheriff’s patrol car off into another turn only yards away.

Minutes later another squad car burns through the “streets” of the Pomona Fairgrounds. Then another. And another.

Looking like stunt men warming up for a cop show episode, the 1,200 law enforcement officers who drive through the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Driver’s Training School each year are learning more than how to burn rubber. They are learning to drive like everyone else.

Sgt. Ray Osterhues, who runs the program, says new officers often think “they won’t have an accident just because they’re a cop.” He said the school attempts to break the “Lone Ranger” image some officers have by helping them determine their own, and their vehicle’s, limitations.

Once officers determine what their limitations are, then the eight instructors teach them to drive at 85% of it “because if they always drive at 100% of their capability, one day they’re going to drive at 110% and crash and burn,” Osterhues said.

In 16- to 24-hour courses, new recruits and active officers not only learn the standard rules of the road, but also get extra training in handling cars at high speed, running effective pursuits, braking, backing up and turning--all with an eye to making them the safest drivers possible in often demanding and dangerous situations.