Monday, December 20, 2010
New Ford Police Interceptor Sedan Quickest in LA Sheriff's Department Police Vehicle Testing
Click on the title for details and additional photos. Check out the new Police Interceptor SUV - an excellent pursuit rated competitor in the sport utility market. Testing occurred November 2010 in Los Angeles.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Ford Police Interceptors Test Drive
In early December, Ford Motor Company invited four police officers from around the U.S. and Canada to Ford’s Arizona Proving Grounds (http://www.testprofessionals.com/APG) outside of Phoenix to experience the next-generation Police Interceptors.
Over the course of two days, the officers had the unique opportunity to drive late-program prototypes of the Ford Police Interceptor sedan and utility, as well as the Ford CVPI, the Dodge Charger and the Chevy Tahoe for comparison purposes. Each officer had a chance to drive both Interceptors and competitors in a variety of settings, including a road course, a wet pad, an autocross course and a gravel pit (to simulate snow and other poor handling conditions).
Additionally, Ford Police Interceptor development engineers were on hand to provide officers with in-depth explanations and information on the vehicles and the development process. The results of this intensive two-day session were captured on video and will be posted to www.fordpoliceinterceptor.com in the near future. As a side note, we utilized a Porsche Cayenne Camera Car - check it out at: http://www.pursuitsystems.com/movies/Pursuit_Porsche.mov.
The participating officers included Staff Sgt Chris Whaley (Ontario Provencial Police), Officer Terry Bykerk (Grand Rapids Police Department, Michigan), Officer Don Spence (Dundee Police Department, Michigan) and Lt John Leas (San Diego Police Department).
Over the course of two days, the officers had the unique opportunity to drive late-program prototypes of the Ford Police Interceptor sedan and utility, as well as the Ford CVPI, the Dodge Charger and the Chevy Tahoe for comparison purposes. Each officer had a chance to drive both Interceptors and competitors in a variety of settings, including a road course, a wet pad, an autocross course and a gravel pit (to simulate snow and other poor handling conditions).
Additionally, Ford Police Interceptor development engineers were on hand to provide officers with in-depth explanations and information on the vehicles and the development process. The results of this intensive two-day session were captured on video and will be posted to www.fordpoliceinterceptor.com in the near future. As a side note, we utilized a Porsche Cayenne Camera Car - check it out at: http://www.pursuitsystems.com/movies/Pursuit_Porsche.mov.
The participating officers included Staff Sgt Chris Whaley (Ontario Provencial Police), Officer Terry Bykerk (Grand Rapids Police Department, Michigan), Officer Don Spence (Dundee Police Department, Michigan) and Lt John Leas (San Diego Police Department).
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| Terry, Don, Chris and John |
For a look at the new Ford Police Interceptors, check out the video at Jay Leno's Garage on the sidebar or at http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/at-the-garage/custom-built/ford-police-interceptor.
Monday, December 6, 2010
When Tragedy Strikes...
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| Former SAPD Officer David Seaton |
A tragedy for all involved....
Also see this post from a jury member in this case for further insight:
http://mindwanderingsinsanantonio.blogspot.com/2010/12/david-seaton-trial-why-we-found-him.html
Thursday, November 18, 2010
New Law Enforcement Driving Simulators Installed
Click on the title to view pictures of our new installation at the EVOC Training Facility at Miramar College. For information on scheduling training, contact EVOC Training Coordinator Sgt. Kevin Rausis at (619) 388-7951.
UPDATE: KNSD 7/39's Tony Shin stopped by and shot this related news story: http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/tech/Exclusive-Look-At-New-Police-Simulators-110042674.html
UPDATE: KNSD 7/39's Tony Shin stopped by and shot this related news story: http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/tech/Exclusive-Look-At-New-Police-Simulators-110042674.html
A special thanks to the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) for funding and installing this specialized equipment.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
November Project Update
As you may have read in our October Update, the contruction bond funding originally earmarked for this project has been moved to other, higher priority projects at the Miramar College Campus. The decision was made by the College District's Board of Trustees after receiving a recommendation from the Chancellor's Office to reallocate the Prop N construction bond funds. Unfortunately, this has now stalled our progress to develop the NTC Camp Nimitz site as our new Emergency Vehicle Operations Center. The big question is: Now what? We have the property but not the funds to build EVOC...
For the time being, PSTI will continue EVOC training at several sites. Classroom lecture and driving simulator instruction will remain at the Miramar College campus. Behind the wheel, SkidCar and track work will be done at Qualcomm Stadium's parking lots, scheduling permitting.
The PSTI Board of Directors will meet in January to discuss potential solutions. Additional research and analysis is occurring in the background with City staff. Until we receive clear direction from the Board of Directors, we will be on hold pending the outcome. If anyone out there has any ideas on construction funding sources, please feel free to send your ideas my way (John@PoliceDriving.com). Thank you.
For the time being, PSTI will continue EVOC training at several sites. Classroom lecture and driving simulator instruction will remain at the Miramar College campus. Behind the wheel, SkidCar and track work will be done at Qualcomm Stadium's parking lots, scheduling permitting.
The PSTI Board of Directors will meet in January to discuss potential solutions. Additional research and analysis is occurring in the background with City staff. Until we receive clear direction from the Board of Directors, we will be on hold pending the outcome. If anyone out there has any ideas on construction funding sources, please feel free to send your ideas my way (John@PoliceDriving.com). Thank you.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
FREE PURSUIT POLICY TRAINING WORKSHOPS
In an effort to reduce the number of deaths and injuries resulting from vehicle pursuits, ALERT International and IADLEST are partnering to provide a FREE, comprehensive pursuit management and policy training program throughout the nation. For those of you unfamiliar with the acronyms, ALERT is the Association of Professional Law Enforcement Emergency Response Trainers International (http://www.alertinternational.com/). IADLEST is the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (http://www.iadlest.org/).
Recognizing that pursuit driving is a very dangerous activity, police departments around the United States have begun to change their perspective of pursuits and their understanding of pursuit policy and training. This research has prompted programs such as this, which encourage departments across the country to analyze current pursuit policies and training requirements to ensure their officers are well trained and prepared for the challenges they face on the streets during a pursuit.
This nationwide training effort addresses law enforcement vehicular pursuit policy issues, including factors to consider when initiating, conducting, and terminating a vehicular pursuit. Procedures discussed in the pursuit policy workshops is consistent with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) guidelines. Participants are encouraged to bring their agency's pursuit policy to the workshop so it may be discussed and compared with IACP's current best practices.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who should attend? Officers, deputies, troopers, on up to the executive levels of Chief or Sheriff. Communications dispatchers are also encouraged to attend as they are a vital link in pursuit management and tactics.
What does it cost? This 4 hour course is FREE to attendees and agencies. Your only investment is your time to attend this course.
When can I take this course? Classes are offered all over the nation and can be tailored to meet your specific agency's needs. View the website at www.PursuitTraining.org or call 1-888-902-1088 for details. Classes can be assembled and delivered as quickly as 4 weeks in advance, depending on location.
Where can I take this course? The instructors will come to you and your agency, anywhere in the United States, including Hawaii. As a hosting agency, you will be asked to provide the Pursuit Trainers with a training or briefing room that will support audio and visual presentations. Participant Manuals will be provided by ALERT and IADLEST and participants will receive Training Certificates at the end of the workshop.
Why should I attend? You will receive the latest information in IACP approved pursuit management, tactics and policy best practices. Whether you are the officer on the street, the supervisor in charge of the pursuit, the radio dispatcher or the police executive reviewing and updating pursuit policy within your agency, you will be given the most current training information to protect yourself against civil and criminal prosecution as well as reduce the risk of serious injury and/or death as a result of a pursuit. In addition, attendees who bring their pursuit policies for review will receive suggested recommendations for improvement following the IACP model pursuit policy guidelines. Attendees are welcome to take this information back to their respective legal advisors and policy makers to encourage necessary changes in policy and practice that will help reduce exposure to future civil litigation.
How do I host a workshop or sign up for a class? You may request to host a workshop at your department or sign up for a training session in your area by visiting the Pursuit Training website at www.PursuitTraining.org or by calling their toll free number at 1-888-902-1088. The Pursuit Training team will do the rest for you.
It's not very often that training is offered for free, especially when it can be delivered right to your doorstep. I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to receive the latest in pursuit policy training and management so you and your officers can "Drive to Survive".
Recognizing that pursuit driving is a very dangerous activity, police departments around the United States have begun to change their perspective of pursuits and their understanding of pursuit policy and training. This research has prompted programs such as this, which encourage departments across the country to analyze current pursuit policies and training requirements to ensure their officers are well trained and prepared for the challenges they face on the streets during a pursuit.
This nationwide training effort addresses law enforcement vehicular pursuit policy issues, including factors to consider when initiating, conducting, and terminating a vehicular pursuit. Procedures discussed in the pursuit policy workshops is consistent with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) guidelines. Participants are encouraged to bring their agency's pursuit policy to the workshop so it may be discussed and compared with IACP's current best practices.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who should attend? Officers, deputies, troopers, on up to the executive levels of Chief or Sheriff. Communications dispatchers are also encouraged to attend as they are a vital link in pursuit management and tactics.
What does it cost? This 4 hour course is FREE to attendees and agencies. Your only investment is your time to attend this course.
When can I take this course? Classes are offered all over the nation and can be tailored to meet your specific agency's needs. View the website at www.PursuitTraining.org or call 1-888-902-1088 for details. Classes can be assembled and delivered as quickly as 4 weeks in advance, depending on location.
Where can I take this course? The instructors will come to you and your agency, anywhere in the United States, including Hawaii. As a hosting agency, you will be asked to provide the Pursuit Trainers with a training or briefing room that will support audio and visual presentations. Participant Manuals will be provided by ALERT and IADLEST and participants will receive Training Certificates at the end of the workshop.
Why should I attend? You will receive the latest information in IACP approved pursuit management, tactics and policy best practices. Whether you are the officer on the street, the supervisor in charge of the pursuit, the radio dispatcher or the police executive reviewing and updating pursuit policy within your agency, you will be given the most current training information to protect yourself against civil and criminal prosecution as well as reduce the risk of serious injury and/or death as a result of a pursuit. In addition, attendees who bring their pursuit policies for review will receive suggested recommendations for improvement following the IACP model pursuit policy guidelines. Attendees are welcome to take this information back to their respective legal advisors and policy makers to encourage necessary changes in policy and practice that will help reduce exposure to future civil litigation.
How do I host a workshop or sign up for a class? You may request to host a workshop at your department or sign up for a training session in your area by visiting the Pursuit Training website at www.PursuitTraining.org or by calling their toll free number at 1-888-902-1088. The Pursuit Training team will do the rest for you.
It's not very often that training is offered for free, especially when it can be delivered right to your doorstep. I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to receive the latest in pursuit policy training and management so you and your officers can "Drive to Survive".
October Project Update and Funding Issues
The PSTI EVOC Project Workgroup met on October 6th (see Meeting Minutes of 10062010). Vice Chancellor of College District Facilities David Umstot presented an update on Prop S and N Projects, specifically those projects affecting Miramar College and PSTI. To synopsize, the College District is faced with a $45 million construction cost with a $30 million bond fund source. The $16 million we were working with for the EVOC Project was in serious jeopardy of being re-allocated to higher priority projects on the Miramar campus. In addition, the Prop S and N Citizens Oversight Committee and the Chancellor's Office had raised serious concerns over equitable cost-sharing issues related to the PSTI facility.
On October 14th, the San Diego Community College District Board of Trustees met and approved the Chancellor's recommendation to approve allocation of all bond funds to the priority projects on the Miramar College campus, basically shifting the Prop N funds originally earmarked for EVOC to other, higher priority projects at Miramar College. Essentially, we have now lost our construction funding source for this project. There has been some discussion about the City and County fronting a third each of the construction costs (approximately $5.33 million each) but with the economic issues facing our government, funding a new EVOC facility is not the priority - people's jobs are.
What does all this mean? Well, our project work group will meet this Wednesday (October 20th) to determine where we go from here. There are many issues to be addressed beyond just relocating the EVOC to an acceptable site. All the issues related to NTC redevelopment, our current lease and subleases on site, as well as facility management of the NTC site itself will need to be discussed. In early November, the PSTI Board of Directors will meet to act on any recommendations from our work group as well as determine a new funding strategy and course of action.
As one can imagine, this a major disappointment to the project team. Although the fall back plan has always been to continue training at Qualcomm Stadium while the new site is being built, we will continue to look for alternative solutions to the much greater issue at hand: building a state of the art Emergency Vehicle Operations Center training facility. We are certainly open to your suggestions...
On October 14th, the San Diego Community College District Board of Trustees met and approved the Chancellor's recommendation to approve allocation of all bond funds to the priority projects on the Miramar College campus, basically shifting the Prop N funds originally earmarked for EVOC to other, higher priority projects at Miramar College. Essentially, we have now lost our construction funding source for this project. There has been some discussion about the City and County fronting a third each of the construction costs (approximately $5.33 million each) but with the economic issues facing our government, funding a new EVOC facility is not the priority - people's jobs are.
What does all this mean? Well, our project work group will meet this Wednesday (October 20th) to determine where we go from here. There are many issues to be addressed beyond just relocating the EVOC to an acceptable site. All the issues related to NTC redevelopment, our current lease and subleases on site, as well as facility management of the NTC site itself will need to be discussed. In early November, the PSTI Board of Directors will meet to act on any recommendations from our work group as well as determine a new funding strategy and course of action.
As one can imagine, this a major disappointment to the project team. Although the fall back plan has always been to continue training at Qualcomm Stadium while the new site is being built, we will continue to look for alternative solutions to the much greater issue at hand: building a state of the art Emergency Vehicle Operations Center training facility. We are certainly open to your suggestions...
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Below 100:Let's Get It Done!
A very timely article on officer safety and emergency vehicle operations by Dale Stockton, Editor-in-Chief of Law Officer Magazine. Click on the heading to link to the article.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
PSTI Project Update for September
The Project Team has been quite busy. The Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) between the City and County of San Diego and the San Diego Community College District has been submitted to our respective legal advisors for review. We expect some adjustments during this review and once approved and implemented, the MOU will guide future construction, operations and maintenance of the PSTI facility.
This month we were advised that the College District agreed to fund the project up to a $16M cap (up from the original $12.6M). This bump was necessary to cover projected construction costs estimates and fulfill the need to hire both a civil engineer for the overall project as well as a structural engineer to guide us on the partial demolition of Building 557. The increased budget will provide us with a buffer should we experience unforeseen issues in the future.
As mentioned in an earlier posting, we submitted our Preliminary Review application to the City's Development Services Department. The DSD staff have been an excellent resource and sounding board for the project team. Their review of our application was thorough, timely and in early September, we received written responses from the various disciplines within the City. To view this multi-page report, click on this link:
Our Campus Project Manager (Scott Ellis) and I have been reviewing these reports which will guide us through the next phase of planning and development. Yes, there is much work to be done and yes, the team is up to the challenge.
Meetings have been scheduled with U.S. Navy facilities and Applied Energy staff to work out logistics to modify and conceal the above-ground steam line running along the channel on our site (a mandate by the NTC Precise Plan). This will eventually require a coordinated effort with the City's Public Utilities Department and the McMillin Companies (Liberty Station developer) to complete this task along our respective esplanades.
Planning is now in progress to hold a PSTI Board of Directors meeting in early November. By then, we hope to present a finished MOU to our Directors for official approval and signature. Once the date, time and location is confirmed, look for a future announcement of this public meeting. This will be a major milestone for us and a positive step into the next phase of this project.
This month we were advised that the College District agreed to fund the project up to a $16M cap (up from the original $12.6M). This bump was necessary to cover projected construction costs estimates and fulfill the need to hire both a civil engineer for the overall project as well as a structural engineer to guide us on the partial demolition of Building 557. The increased budget will provide us with a buffer should we experience unforeseen issues in the future.
As mentioned in an earlier posting, we submitted our Preliminary Review application to the City's Development Services Department. The DSD staff have been an excellent resource and sounding board for the project team. Their review of our application was thorough, timely and in early September, we received written responses from the various disciplines within the City. To view this multi-page report, click on this link:
Our Campus Project Manager (Scott Ellis) and I have been reviewing these reports which will guide us through the next phase of planning and development. Yes, there is much work to be done and yes, the team is up to the challenge.
Meetings have been scheduled with U.S. Navy facilities and Applied Energy staff to work out logistics to modify and conceal the above-ground steam line running along the channel on our site (a mandate by the NTC Precise Plan). This will eventually require a coordinated effort with the City's Public Utilities Department and the McMillin Companies (Liberty Station developer) to complete this task along our respective esplanades.
Planning is now in progress to hold a PSTI Board of Directors meeting in early November. By then, we hope to present a finished MOU to our Directors for official approval and signature. Once the date, time and location is confirmed, look for a future announcement of this public meeting. This will be a major milestone for us and a positive step into the next phase of this project.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Detroit's Big Three automakers vie for the law enforcement market
Click on the headline for details.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Ford's New Interceptors - A First Look from Motor Trend
Click on the heading to view Motor Trend's look at the new Ford Police Interceptors.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Ford Police Interceptor Reveal SUV Package Sept 1st
Ford Motor Company will be revealing their new Police Interceptor SUV on September 1st at 3pm EST. Click on the link http://www.fordpoliceinterceptorreveal.com/ for details.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
EVOC Facility Progress Report
Over the last several weeks, the PSTI EVOC Project Workgroup has been meeting and fine tuning our planning and development of the new EVOC Facility. As briefly as possible I'd like to share where we are at:
Our plans have been submitted to the City of San Diego Development Services Department as part of the Preliminary Review Process application. The City will evaluate our application and report back to us in a few weeks. Once we receive the City's report, we will fine tune our design plans for the next phase (design/build).
The PSTI member agencies have collectively completed development of our Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU), a document which will guide the ongoing planning, building, operation and maintenance of the PSTI site at NTC. Each entity is now briefing their respective executive and legal staff to ensure their respective administrative and operational needs have been met. Ultimately, the Project Workgroup will present the MOU for formal approval and signatures at a future PSTI Board of Directors Meeting.
We were recently notified by staff from the San Diego Coastal Commission Office that previously obtained demolition permits were still, in fact, vested and valid for the majority of the buildings PSTI has identified to be razed next year. The validity of these permits was a major concern to us due to their age. Although we have some modifications to run through the City's Development Services Department due to our new project scope, the news that our demolition permits were valid was quite refreshing for the Project Team.
Where does this leave us? First, the MOU must be approved by our legal advisers and ultimately the PSTI Board of Directors. Second, a separate college district project (Fire EMT Program Relocation) is awaiting approvals for planning and development. Miramar College's Fire EMT Program currently resides in the Phase II demolition area of EVOC and must be moved to make way for construction. Thirdly, once the City returns their report on the Preliminary Review of our plans, we will regroup to address each issue and assemble the Design/Build team. Each one of these processes will take substantial time and effort to complete.
So when do we anticipate the Groundbreaking? Our best estimate right now is in April of 2011, barring any complications. We'll let everyone know as we get closer so keep an eye out for periodic updates on planning.
Our plans have been submitted to the City of San Diego Development Services Department as part of the Preliminary Review Process application. The City will evaluate our application and report back to us in a few weeks. Once we receive the City's report, we will fine tune our design plans for the next phase (design/build).
The PSTI member agencies have collectively completed development of our Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU), a document which will guide the ongoing planning, building, operation and maintenance of the PSTI site at NTC. Each entity is now briefing their respective executive and legal staff to ensure their respective administrative and operational needs have been met. Ultimately, the Project Workgroup will present the MOU for formal approval and signatures at a future PSTI Board of Directors Meeting.
We were recently notified by staff from the San Diego Coastal Commission Office that previously obtained demolition permits were still, in fact, vested and valid for the majority of the buildings PSTI has identified to be razed next year. The validity of these permits was a major concern to us due to their age. Although we have some modifications to run through the City's Development Services Department due to our new project scope, the news that our demolition permits were valid was quite refreshing for the Project Team.
Where does this leave us? First, the MOU must be approved by our legal advisers and ultimately the PSTI Board of Directors. Second, a separate college district project (Fire EMT Program Relocation) is awaiting approvals for planning and development. Miramar College's Fire EMT Program currently resides in the Phase II demolition area of EVOC and must be moved to make way for construction. Thirdly, once the City returns their report on the Preliminary Review of our plans, we will regroup to address each issue and assemble the Design/Build team. Each one of these processes will take substantial time and effort to complete.
So when do we anticipate the Groundbreaking? Our best estimate right now is in April of 2011, barring any complications. We'll let everyone know as we get closer so keep an eye out for periodic updates on planning.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
COPSWEST Law Enforcement Expo and Vehicle Test Day
REMINDER: The COPSWEST Law Enforcement Expo is coming to Ontario in November. For EVOC instructors, check out the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Police Vehicle Test Day at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA on November 18, 2010. See the latest display and testing of emergency vehicles from all the major manufacturers.
COPSWEST is produced by the California Peace Officers' Association and is endorsed by the California Police Chiefs and California State Sheriff's Associations.
Click on the link (http://www.copswest.com/) for registration information. See you in Fontana on November 18th!
COPSWEST is produced by the California Peace Officers' Association and is endorsed by the California Police Chiefs and California State Sheriff's Associations.
Click on the link (http://www.copswest.com/) for registration information. See you in Fontana on November 18th!
Monday, August 2, 2010
POST LD19 Pilot Program Workshop
During the week of July 26-29, I attended meetings and a workshop in Sacramento with the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). The purpose of this meeting was to participate in the first development workshop for a pilot program to revise Vehicle Operations Training in the Regular Basic Course (Learning Domain 19). This workshop included members of the Pilot Program, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in the field of Vehicle Operations, Law Enforcement Driving Simulators (LEDS) and Directors, Coordinators, and SMEs representing Academy Programs from around the state.
At its October 2008 meeting, the POST Commission received the Driver Training Study, Volume I and approved implementation of the recommendations in the report. One of the recommendations included enhancing driver training curriculum in the academy. The Commission directed the implementation of an academy-based Pilot Program which would incorporate four components into LD 19: Law Enforcement Driving Simulators, a speed component, night driving and the use of interference vehicles.
The San Diego Regional Public Safety Training Institute was selected as one of seven Pilot Program training sites in California. Earlier this year, members of POST's SAFE Driving Campaign/VOTAC had visited and surveyed our EVOC basic academy driver training program and observed we were delivering training that closely modeled what they were trying to develop statewide. They asked us to join in the Pilot Program along with six other locations: the Alameda County Sheriff's Department, Butte College, California Highway Patrol, Los Angeles Police Department, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and the South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortium.
Throughout the week we met to review current curricula and develop strategies to implement the LD 19 Pilot Program. With such a wide variety of EVOC training sites throughout the state, it was a challenge to develop strategies that would enable most, if not all EVOC sites the ability to deliver a higher level of driver training without compromising safety for our students and instructors. We were able to gain consensus on most topics and Training and Testing Specifications (TTS) Learning Needs and Objectives were modified to incorporate approved changes for Pilot Program participants. We still have more work in progress and another workshop is scheduled for October.
For our EVOC Program, this pilot will require us to conduct additonal training with our EVOC instructors to bring them up to speed with the new TTS and evaluation guidelines. For the students, it will offer a higher level of training designed to save their lives out on the street. As we continue to develop this statewide Pilot Program, we'll keep you informed of changes coming our way.
At its October 2008 meeting, the POST Commission received the Driver Training Study, Volume I and approved implementation of the recommendations in the report. One of the recommendations included enhancing driver training curriculum in the academy. The Commission directed the implementation of an academy-based Pilot Program which would incorporate four components into LD 19: Law Enforcement Driving Simulators, a speed component, night driving and the use of interference vehicles.
The San Diego Regional Public Safety Training Institute was selected as one of seven Pilot Program training sites in California. Earlier this year, members of POST's SAFE Driving Campaign/VOTAC had visited and surveyed our EVOC basic academy driver training program and observed we were delivering training that closely modeled what they were trying to develop statewide. They asked us to join in the Pilot Program along with six other locations: the Alameda County Sheriff's Department, Butte College, California Highway Patrol, Los Angeles Police Department, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and the South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortium.
Throughout the week we met to review current curricula and develop strategies to implement the LD 19 Pilot Program. With such a wide variety of EVOC training sites throughout the state, it was a challenge to develop strategies that would enable most, if not all EVOC sites the ability to deliver a higher level of driver training without compromising safety for our students and instructors. We were able to gain consensus on most topics and Training and Testing Specifications (TTS) Learning Needs and Objectives were modified to incorporate approved changes for Pilot Program participants. We still have more work in progress and another workshop is scheduled for October.
For our EVOC Program, this pilot will require us to conduct additonal training with our EVOC instructors to bring them up to speed with the new TTS and evaluation guidelines. For the students, it will offer a higher level of training designed to save their lives out on the street. As we continue to develop this statewide Pilot Program, we'll keep you informed of changes coming our way.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Planning Update
The Project Team continues work on gathering information on a variety of topics related to the PSTI training site. Of vital importance is the need to locate and obtain copies of building plans (As Builts) for the old U.S. Navy barracks and processing center (Building 557). We reached out to NAVFACSW and recently obtained a CD full of information that should prove valuable for our planning/demolition/construction teams. A sincere thanks goes out to our friends at NAVFACSW and BRAC for pulling this information out of their archives!
As we continue work on the MOU, a challenging area has been to clearly identify all potential costs for ongoing operation and maintenance (O&M) of the PSTI EVOC Facility. The PSTI Board of Directors wants (and deserves) a clear picture of the future costs to run the PSTI. O&M expenses include everything from building and roadway maintenance/repairs to utilities and service contracts. Once the facility is completed by the College District, the City and County of San Diego will share O&M responsibilities for the remainder of our lease (about 63 more years). Discussions regarding the new EVOC Building are ongoing and issues will need to be finalized in the near future to determine accurate O&M predictions.
We met last week with City of San Diego staff to review and begin work on the Preliminary Review Process. This process links the PSTI project team with a variety of disciplines within several different City departments. Through preliminary review, we will obtain general information on regulations with which our project must comply, find out which permits we must obtain and obtain interpretations on how the City will apply code provisions to specific situations. It is critical we have a clear understanding of these requirements as we plan and develop PSTI. City staff responses to our specific questions will be documented and tailored to our specific project. The information we receive during preliminary review is valid for one year from the date of the correspondence, except if 1) the code on which this information is based is changed; 2) emergency legislation is enacted by City Council; or 3) there is a change in the project scope.
The City's Development Services Department has been very proactive in guiding the PSTI Project Team as we receive information needed to make informed decisions about how to proceed with the design of our project. For more information on the Preliminary Review Process, please refer to this site: http://www.sandiego.gov/development-services/devprocess/timecosts/review.shtml.
The Project Team will continue to meet twice each month as we push forward on this project. Suffice it to say there is a lot of research and analysis occurring in the background (much too lengthy to discuss here) but don't forget that our Meeting Minutes are listed at the bottom right side of this web page by date for your viewing pleasure.
Have a safe 4th of July!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
The Site Visit
Today the JPA's NTC Project Workgroup met at NTC to view the site. The purpose of this visit was to give members of the workgroup an up close and personal view of the conditions currently present at the location. The group walked through several areas, including Buildings 479, 480 and 557. They viewed the cache of rescue equipment and supplies at the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) warehouse in 557 and looked at the structural design of the building. The design plans target 479, 480 and a major portion of 557 (sans the warehouse) for future demolition to make way for the EVOC driver training track and EVOC admin and classroom building.
The discussions amongst the group included concerns about keeping USAR on site in the warehouse facility only, moving them off-site to an alternate location, bringing in portable classrooms from City College and limited funding to completely build out EVOC to meet the training needs of the JPA members. In addition, a new traffic study will have to be completed soon as our project scope and design have changed substantially from earlier, City approved conceptual plans. Like any project, it wouldn't be fun if there weren't some challenges along the way.
The workgroup also viewed areas affected by new construction by AT&T contractors (new fiber optics lines), MCRD's plan for the General's Gate Road and airport expansion construction adjacent to our site along McCain Road. The Airport Authority's contractor recently completed work on the new intersection at McCain Road and N. Harbor Drive where you will find a new traffic signal controlling the intersection. More roadway improvements are slated for McCain Road in the next year or two.
As the tough questions are asked and answered, we will be able to give everyone a more definitive timeline on the project. Right now, we need to dig even deeper into some key issues regarding this location. The movement of the college's Fire EMT Program back to Miramar College, the challenges involving the USAR warehouse, the need to move non-JPA member agencies off-site to make way for PSTI training enterprises and the need to establish new procedures for PSTI operations on site make for busy work days.
As you can probably imagine, with such a wide variety of agencies and entities involved and/or affected by this project, it requires a high level of diplomacy, patience, perseverance and problem-solving skills. I am personally very thankful for the talented workgroup we have assembled for this major project. Without their commitment, we would not have made it this far - remember, we started this in earnest just a few months ago in mid-February.
In the weeks to come, the JPA Workgroup will meet with Airport Authority and MCRD staff to work out improvements on McCain Road along with development and construction of the General's Gate Road. We will also work with City staff and Homeland Security on the AT&T MPOE Project that supports PSTI, DHS and airport communications/IT needs, providing easements and/or right of way permits as appropriate. In addition, the college district's construction management team will begin work on a new traffic study to determine how our new EVOC project design and street closures will effect our neighbors. We will meet with USAR staff to determine the complexity of Building 557's demolition, collaborate on site issues and evaluate the usefulness of portable classrooms at City College for possible relocation and use at the EVOC Facility.
Much work lies ahead for us...stayed tuned.
The discussions amongst the group included concerns about keeping USAR on site in the warehouse facility only, moving them off-site to an alternate location, bringing in portable classrooms from City College and limited funding to completely build out EVOC to meet the training needs of the JPA members. In addition, a new traffic study will have to be completed soon as our project scope and design have changed substantially from earlier, City approved conceptual plans. Like any project, it wouldn't be fun if there weren't some challenges along the way.
The workgroup also viewed areas affected by new construction by AT&T contractors (new fiber optics lines), MCRD's plan for the General's Gate Road and airport expansion construction adjacent to our site along McCain Road. The Airport Authority's contractor recently completed work on the new intersection at McCain Road and N. Harbor Drive where you will find a new traffic signal controlling the intersection. More roadway improvements are slated for McCain Road in the next year or two.
As the tough questions are asked and answered, we will be able to give everyone a more definitive timeline on the project. Right now, we need to dig even deeper into some key issues regarding this location. The movement of the college's Fire EMT Program back to Miramar College, the challenges involving the USAR warehouse, the need to move non-JPA member agencies off-site to make way for PSTI training enterprises and the need to establish new procedures for PSTI operations on site make for busy work days.
As you can probably imagine, with such a wide variety of agencies and entities involved and/or affected by this project, it requires a high level of diplomacy, patience, perseverance and problem-solving skills. I am personally very thankful for the talented workgroup we have assembled for this major project. Without their commitment, we would not have made it this far - remember, we started this in earnest just a few months ago in mid-February.
In the weeks to come, the JPA Workgroup will meet with Airport Authority and MCRD staff to work out improvements on McCain Road along with development and construction of the General's Gate Road. We will also work with City staff and Homeland Security on the AT&T MPOE Project that supports PSTI, DHS and airport communications/IT needs, providing easements and/or right of way permits as appropriate. In addition, the college district's construction management team will begin work on a new traffic study to determine how our new EVOC project design and street closures will effect our neighbors. We will meet with USAR staff to determine the complexity of Building 557's demolition, collaborate on site issues and evaluate the usefulness of portable classrooms at City College for possible relocation and use at the EVOC Facility.
Much work lies ahead for us...stayed tuned.
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