and practiced the techniques they learned on a racecourse with professional driving coaches. Since the defensive driving course started, over 100 different towns have been represented by their police training officers at this two-day event. The League insures over 5,000 law enforcement officers across the state. Trainers can take what they learned from the course and bring it back to their towns to implement new safety practices and policies. “The information over the two days— classrooms, resources, in-car training behind the wheel, instruction from coaches—allows them to go back to their departments and customize these trainings for their individual departments needs,” said Eric Peterson, Hillsborough town manager. Peterson has been racing sports cars for over 30 years and has participated in a variety of motor vehicle sports. Over 10 years ago, the Hillsborough chief of police asked Peterson if he could help their police department develop a safety driving course with the expertise of his background. Peterson happily agreed. Through the town’s relationship with the League, and Peterson’s connections to the racing community in North Carolina, the “Defensive Driving: Slower is Faster” course was formed. The present-day Hillsborough Chief of Police Duane Hampton is a partner of the League in teaching this course. “The overall quality of driving we’re seeing is improving. Younger officers are being more aware, being more cautious, realizing the responsibility that comes with the driving,” said Hampton. RMS Update This course focuses on training the trainer. It includes a full classroom day where various speakers from the League, the Town of Hillsborough, and the National Law Enforcement Roadway Safety Program presented best practices on defensive driving. continues on page 26 NCLM.ORG 25
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