The police are provided with cars not just to chase down criminals, but also to get to an active crime scene as fast as possible. Some departments actually give them rather cool cars for the job while most make do with mundane but sufficiently powered rear-drivers. More important is having the right set of driving skills usually obtained through training. But who said the training can't be fun? The California Highway Patrol serving the Truckee area says it can with their Dodge Chargers.
Cops Train Because Winter Doesn't Discriminate
Driving a police vehicle usually requires its own set of skills. Typically, training teaches cops what they need to fulfill their duties, while getting rid of any bad habits that might compromise operations. The Truckee area has mountains, and thus winter, in which driving quickly can become more difficult. Roads with snow and ice can be very slippery, and they don't discriminate between the good and the bad guys. One of the techniques these police are taught in dealing with these circumstances is drifting.
CHP Truckee Trains For Winter Driving
In a public service announcement posted on its Facebook page, CHP Truckee posted a video of a CHP Dodge Charger drifting, doing donuts and burning rubber on a closed track circuit. Behind the wheel of this police car is Gunther, an Elf off the Shelf.
Apparently, Gunter is part of the CHP Truckee force, receiving training for winter driving at CHP Academy’s Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC). At least according to the CHP Truckee Facebook video, in which Gunther is seen polishing his winter driving skills to the tune of “Danger Zone,” a Kenny Loggins’ hit song from Top Gun film (1986). While at EVOC, he managed to pick up certain techniques that could help him and his partner chase down lawbreakers even when the road conditions are not friendly.
Recruiting New Officers For The Job
Gunther appears to be part of the recruitment division at CHP, which is hoping his starring role in this PSA will inspire more recruits to join the force.
Source: CHP Truckee on Facebook