San Diego Police Department and San Diego Miramar College Enhance Law Enforcement Training Curriculum with the Latest in Driver Simulation Technology from MPRI
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MPRI, an L-3 Communications company and global provider of vehicle and maritime simulation products, training and services, the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) and San Diego Miramar College, announced today that the SDPD and San Diego Miramar College have jointly purchased four PatrolSim(TM) IV driver training simulators from MPRI. The simulators will be deployed at the San Diego Regional Public Safety Training Institute located at the college and staffed by members of the SDPD and provides recruits with the skills, practical training and discipline necessary to enter the field of law enforcement.
"At San Diego Miramar College we recognize the importance of partnering with industry leaders and are committed to serving the San Diego community and its public safety needs. As an institution of higher education, simulation training is the type of cutting edge technology that we not only encourage but promote," said Dr. Patricia Hsieh, president, San Diego Miramar College. More than 2,000 officers will use the new simulators in September as part of their yearly continued driving training curriculum. Skill requirements are mandated by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) in the areas of slow speed driving, emergency response and pursuit driving.
"Law enforcement officials have unique needs and are exposed to a range of dangerous and risky situations not commonly encountered by the average driver," said Terry Tucker, MPRI senior vice president. "With the PatrolSim IV's glass dash technology, coordinated response capabilities, drag and drop scenario builders and touch screen program navigation, the SDPD and San Diego Miramar College can be assured that students are being trained at the highest level possible. We are pleased to continue our relationship with them."
Long-time users of MPRI driving simulators, the SDPD and San Diego Miramar College selected the new PatrolSim IV simulators to expose students to situations that are nearly impossible to replicate in the real world. Using high resolution graphics on plasma displays, the simulators provide a risk-free environment for students to practice critical decision making and vehicle handling skills, and work with hundreds of POST certified scenarios including traffic stops, pursuits and emergency responses. Additionally, students can experience coordinated pursuit training scenarios via multiple networked simulators.
"With the PatrolSim IVs we can better prepare our law enforcement agents for nearly any scenario imaginable," said Sgt. Paul Becotte of the SDPD. "Using the simulator enables our instructors to customize the training experience so that drivers become more adept than ever reacting to changes in weather, time of day or vehicle characteristics. The PatrolSim IV is safe for our drivers and the motoring public and provides a challenging, comprehensive and stimulating way to train."
San Diego Community College District Chancellor Constance Carroll said, "The San Diego Community College District is proud of its partnership with law enforcement agencies, so we viewed this as an important investment for keeping the quality of our partnership training as high as possible."
Other features of the PatrolSim IV simulator include integration with AST Driver Evaluation (EVOC Series) as well as having been tested and certified to applicable safety and emissions standards (CSA US, CE and FCC).
About MPRI
MPRI, an L-3 Communications company is a leader in driver simulation technology products, services and training capabilities. L-3 Communications company (NYSE: LLL), of New York, N.Y., is a merchant supplier of a broad array of high technology products. MPRI's dedicated simulation facility in Salt Lake City, UT specializes in driver and maritime products and services. More information about MPRI is available at www.mpri.com.
About San Diego Police Department
The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) was established in 1889. The Department provides patrol, traffic, investigative, record, laboratory and support services. In addition to the headquarters building downtown, San Diego is served by eight area commands policing 119 neighborhoods, and the Traffic Division. The SDPD practices community-based policing and problem solving referred to as Neighborhood Policing. This philosophy requires a shared responsibility between the Police Department and the residents of San Diego for addressing underlying problems contributing to crime and the fear of crime. The men and women of the SDPD work together in a problem solving partnership with communities, government agencies, private groups and individuals to fight crime and improve the quality of life for the people of San Diego.
About San Diego Miramar College
San Diego Miramar College, one of three colleges of the San Diego Community College District, offers certificates, associate degrees and comprehensive transfer programs for students transferring to UC, CSU and private institutions. Public safety programs reflect strong college/industry partnerships that prepare students for high-demand careers. Since 1969, San Diego Miramar College has trained the City's law enforcement professionals and firefighters. The San Diego Regional Public Safety Training Institute at San Diego Miramar College has expanded to also include EMT training and the only open water lifeguard associate degree program in the world.
MPRI, an L-3 Communications company
Rick Kiernan,
703-838-5490
Vice President,
Strategic Communications
rick.kiernan@L-3com.com
or
KempGoldberg,
for MPRI
Holly Wolfe,
207-773-0700, ext. 226
PR Manager
hwolfe@kempgoldberg.com
or
San Diego Police Department
Monica Munoz,
619-531-2675
Media Services Manager
munozm@pd.sandiego.gov
or
San Diego Miramar College
Sandra Trevisan,
858-536-7876
Public Information Officer
strevisa@sdccd.edu
