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About Terry Godchaux
Expertise
I can answer questions about vehicle safety issues, vehicular counter-terrorism training, police pursuits in general (specifically for california), emergency response in general (specifically for california), criminal justice, and police academy training.
Experience
I have recently retired as a Deputy Sheriff from California. I have served in Patrol, Investigations and Narcotics.
My last position for 10 years was assigned to our Regional Training Center at the Police Academy. I taught at the Academy and administrated the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC). I also was a subject matter expert in narcotics and vehicle operations and training. I also served as a member of CalPOST.
I am a subject matter expert in vehicle operations, vehicle safety, code-3,
pursuit, and counter-terrorism operations. I have also served as a subject
matter expert for the California Police Officer Science and Training (CalPOST)
consortiums within the state.
Organizations
Former P.O.S.T. Board Member for EVOC
Former P.O.S.T. Board Member for Simulations
Former P.O.S.T. Board Member for the Sheriff’s and Police Academy
Former Instructor for the Las Positas College (A.J. EVOC)
Former Instructor for San Joaquin Delta College (A.J. EVOC)
Former Lead Instructor for EVOC at the ACSO Police Academy
Publications
Numerous within the S/O I had worked for.
Education/Credentials
Baccalaureate Degree in Pre-law
Management and Administration Certificate
Basic California P.O.S.T. Certificate
Intermediate California P.O.S.T. Certificate
Advanced California P.O.S.T. Certificate
California P.O.S.T. Crises Management
California P.O.S.T. Crime Prevention Training
California P.O.S.T. Advanced Crime Prevention Training
California P.O.S.T. Environmental Engineering School
California P.O.S.T. Drug Recognition Expert
California P.O.S.T. DARE Instructor
California P.O.S.T. Specialized Training Institute (CSTI) Tactical
California P.O.S.T. Firearms Instructor
California P.O.S.T. Driver Awareness Instructor (DAI)
California P.O.S.T. Pursuit Driving Training Instructor (DTI)
California P.O.S.T. Basic Motorcycle School
California P.O.S.T. Motorcycle Instructor
California P.O.S.T. Tactical Vehicle Instructor
California P.O.S.T. Dignitary Protection Instructor
California P.O.S.T. Counter-Terrorist Instructor
California P.O.S.T. Driver Simulator Instructor
California P.O.S.T. P.I.T. certification
Barricade Braking certification
California P.O.S.T. Counter Terrorism Driving School
Past/Present Clients
I currently work as a contract Instructor for the Jutice Department when training needs concerning EVOC arise outside of the U.S.
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You are here: Experts > Parenting/Family > Protecting your Home and Family > Transportation and Vehicle Safety > EVOC
Expert: Terry Godchaux - 9/29/2008
Question
My wife was involved in an accident as a result of a police officer making an unsafe maneuver through a controlled intersection. His actions clearly violated the EVOC by putting the public in danger when he entered the intersection (in a non-emergency situation simply because he didn't want to wait at a red light) which resulted in a multiple car accident (officer's car was not hit). I have been looking for a copy of the South Carolina EVOC online, but cannot find it. Where can I get/view a copy of this code so I can have the specific code stating that officers cannot perform maneuvers that will put the public in danger? Secondly, the officer proceeded to write the accident report himself (of course not listing himself as a party of the accident). I've been told that the officer should have called his supervisor or another traffic officer to file the report. Isn't this a conflict of interest?
Answer
Hi Steven.....
Firstly, EVOC is not a code of any kind. It refers to a program for the training of emergency personnel in emergency driving. It stands for: Emergency Vehicle Operations Course.
What you are looking for is the section within your vehicle code for South Carolina concerning "Due Regard".
Although I know every state has one, each has a different coded section for it and I am unaware of yours.
In California, they are as follows:
RIGHT TO EXEMPTION FROM TRAFFIC LAWS
21055 CVC
21806 CVC
MUST DRIVE WITH DUE REGARD SECTIONS
21056 CVC (California Vehicle Code)
21807 CVC (California Vehicle Code)
I have made a short Internet search for you and while I still do not have your VC's, I have included links for bills that have passed in your state regarding Due Regard.
http://www.scstatehouse.net/cgi-bin/query.exe?first=DOC&querytext=due regard&category=Legislation&session=117&conid=4114284&result_pos=0&keyval=1170953
http://www.scstatehouse.net/cgi-bin/query.exe?first=DOC&querytext=due regard&category=Legislation&session=117&conid=4114284&result_pos=0&keyval=1174579
Finally, concerning a possible principle party of an officer involved accident preparing the report, it certainly isn't illegal and may not necessarily be against department policy. It is certainly suspect however and would be torn apart in a court of law due to objectivity, suspect motives and bias of interest.
I hope this helps Steven.
Have a great day!
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