When an officer is behind the wheel, it is their job to multi-task while keeping focused on the road.
Wednesday evening, NBC 6 went to the driving range as part of the Miami Beach Police Citizens Academy. The course is good for both police and the public.
The course on driving seems simple enough, but there's a lot to it when somebody in uniform is behind the wheel.
"They have to learn how to drive. They have to learn how to talk on the radio. Learn how to operate a computer and the lights and sirens," police explained during the academy.
Students went to the driving range and got a chance to take a police cruiser right through challenging obstacles.
The driving course is a requirement for all officers. The range is located at Miami Dade College North.
Retired Sgt. Howard Zeifman is on his 28th year as a teacher, "I want to be able to talk them through the procedure. They come out here so nervous. 'I'm going to shoot a gun tomorrow night. Oh, I'm on the boat.' They have to be able to be talked to."
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The course also reinforces skills every driver should have.
"Everybody thinks they know how to drive but over time, you develop bad habits and those get worse and worse," said Officer William Collado.
Officers are required to undergo 48 hours of basic training on the course.
