Published: May 16, 2008 11:41 am            

New Albany Police officers undergo obstacle course

As part of New Albany Police Department’s annual training, all sworn officers will be driving through a variety of simulated situations in an obstacle course.

Each of the department’s approximately 55 officers will spend a total of eight hours in the next week driving their emergency vehicle around cones and curves at the training site near Old River Road in Floyd County, said NAPD Sgt. Todd Bailey. The first day of available training kicked off Thursday, and 12 officers participated.

“This is a fantastic program to ensure public safety,” Bailey said. “That is, of course, the utmost concern of ours.”

Bailey said police officers often must drive through conditions at higher speeds and more dangerous situations than typical driving, and that their protection as well as the safety of passersby is essential. The department has two certified emergency vehicle operation instructors, including NAPD Chief Greg Crabtree.

As part of the annual training, officers also will receive education about vehicle stops and the tactics involved.

        

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