Police academy cadets learn to drive -- FAST

Skidding around traffic cones and accelerating out of turns in mid-'90s Crowne Victorias Sunday were cadets with the Western Nevada Peace Officer Training Academy.

Out front in the "bad guys" cars in a course winding through three parking lots at Western Nevada Community College were trainers with real-world experience.

"I like to think I pick the best damn instructors available," said academy's commander Katie Durbin.

Sunday's lesson was part of the 40-hour Emergency Vehicle Operations Course. It includes eight hours of classroom instruction and 32 hours of "lot time."

The 25 cadets at the academy were split into two groups for the EVOC training.

They were learning the basics of pursuit -- staying inside the lanes, proper braking and acceleration techniques, and remaining a safe distance from the vehicle being chased.

"Bad guy" trainers drilled this point home by suddenly stopping and throwing their cars into reverse. They would also veer randomly off course into dirt and gravel or stop, jump out, and flee on foot.

"(The training) has to be fun and realistic," said trainer Ron

Michitarian, deputy sheriff with Douglas County.

While the cadets watched trainer Scott Johnston do a smoking J-turn and joked about how long the tires would last, Michitarian explained the importance of reality-based training.

Cadets are encouraged to push the envelope on the closed course.

"That way, their first blow-out won't be in a 100 mph pursuit somewhere," he said. "We have them lose control here so they know what it's like."

When Johnston blew out the front right tire on his Ford three laps later, cadets had the tire changed in about five minutes. The cars are retired from use by the Nevada Highway Patrol.

"These cars take a lot of abuse -- but it's worth it," said Michitarian.

Safety is the top concern, however.

"I don't like it when my kids get hurt," said trainer Joe Sanford, a Douglas County Sheriff's Department sergeant.

"All the trainers adopt these kids," explained Durbin.

Students attend class on Saturdays and Sunday as well as three night classes each week. They also work full time, said Durbin.

"It's a hell of a commitment," she said. "This is where you really know they want to be police officers -- and they pay for it themselves."

Tuition runs about $2,500, she said, not including firearms or ammunition.

The next lesson for the peace officers in training is in "O.C.," or oleoresin capsicum -- pepper spray.

"Liquid hell," somebody murmured.