NCJ Number
194288
Journal
Police: The Law Enforcement Magazine Volume: 25 Issue: 12 Dated: December 2001 Pages: 24,26-28,30
Date Published
December 2001
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes a course to train police in the use of all-terrain vehicles.
Abstract
More and more police departments are choosing ATV's (all-terrain vehicles) to deploy officers quickly. These one-person vehicles, equipped with four low-pressure, high-flotation tires, motorcycle-type engines, and handlebar steering, are highly maneuverable, relatively quiet, and able to traverse rough terrain. However, they require special skills and riding techniques necessary for law enforcement and search and rescue missions. The Snowmobile Safety Institute (SSI) offers training in proper riding techniques not only of snowmobiles but also ATV's, especially in their role as a law enforcement officer's vehicle. The 4-day SSI ATV Police Patrol Operations Course includes, in addition to instruction in riding techniques from beginning to advanced, instruction in using the ATV for cover and concealment, machine positioning while approaching a suspect, the proper way to mount and dismount the ATV, and how to pull over a suspect. Some of the instruction is in the classroom, but most is done in the field.