Sheriff Takes Turn Behind Virtual Wheel
The Washoe (NV) County Sheriff’s Office is using a driving simulator developed by Simulation Technology Solutions to train officers in a number of chase scenarios. The $98,000 PatrolSim III is equipped with a police radio console, siren, emergency lights, and air conditioning.
The interior of the simulator is designed to resemble a Ford Crown Victoria, and three plasma screens offer a virtual driving experience. The simulator also offers day or nighttime driving conditions, as well as simulated weather. Trainers can correct the driver immediately and then replay simulations on a laptop.
The system has been tested by Washoe County Sheriff Dennis Balaam, who says, “Now [drivers] can see the consequences of mistakes without any injury or damage to vehicles.” Some of the money to buy the PatrolSim III came from the office’s forfeiture funds.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from the Reno Gazette-Journal (01/05/05) P. 1C; O’Malley, Jaclyn .
