Tulare County (Calif.) Sheriff Mike Boudreaux has implemented driver training simulators for deputies in an effort to improve officer safety while managing risk. Implementing driving simulators allows deputies to prepare for everyday scenarios they may face on the road as they head to a scene.

Sheriff Boudreaux converted a storage area into a classroom and purchased two driving simulators to add to the space. In the future, the agency plans to purchase a force simulator to further its training offerings.

The driving simulators, from L3, save the agency money by keeping training in house. In the past, personnel would be sent outside of the county for training. In addition, five deputies received special training, allowing them to train others in house. The agency paid $216,000 for both simulators and training.

"It's an affordable and effective tool for training deputies because it puts them in what feels like real-life danger without liability," Sheriff Boudreaux said.