Evaluation of Virtual Reality Snowplow Simulator Training: A Literature Review, September 2006

Each winter, the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) maintenance operators are primarily responsible for plowing snow off federal and state roads. Drivers typically work long shifts under treacherous conditions. In addition to properly navigating the vehicle, drivers are required to operate several plowing mechanisms simultaneously, such as plow controls and salt sprayers. However, operators have few opportunities during the year to practice and refine their skills. An ideal training program would provide operators with the opportunity to practice these skills under realistic yet safe conditions, as well as provide basic training to novice or less-experienced operators. Recent technological advancements have made driving simulators a desirable training and research tool. This literature review discusses much of the recent research establishing simulator fidelity and espousing its applicability. Additionally, this report provides a summary of behavioral and eye tracking research involving driving simulators. Other research topics include comparisons between novice and expert drivers’ behavioral patterns, methods for avoiding cybersickness in virtual environments, and a synopsis of current personality measures with respect to job performance and driving performance. This literature review coincides with a study designed to examine the effectiveness of virtual reality snowplow simulator training for current maintenance operators, using the TranSim VS III truck and snowplow simulator recently purchased by the Iowa DOT.

Facts about Iowa Law Enforcement Physical Standards for Pre-employment Testing, 2011

The Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Council, in recognizing the importance of physical fitness status for job performance, established this physical test regimen as a employment standard effective February 15, 1993. No person can be selected or appointed as a law enforcement officer without first successfully passing all of the elements of this test. (See 501 IAC 2.1, adopted pursuant to Section 80B.11(5), Code of Iowa.) Upon entry into the Academy every candidate will be given the same test as an assessment for training purposes and to ensure that each recruit can undergo the physical demands of the Academy without undue risk of injury, and with a level of fatigue tolerance to meet all Academy requirements. If at the time of entrance into the Academy an officer does not meet minimum standards, he or she will not be admitted. This pamphlet will provide information on the rationale, purpose, testing procedures, standards of performance and fitness activities to prepare for the fitness testing. It is intended to answer the basic questions pertaining to all aspects of the fitness testing process.

Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Performance Report FY2012

The Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) was created by an act of the Iowa legislature in 1967 with its purpose being to upgrade law enforcement to professional status. The specific goals were to maximize training opportunities for law enforcement officers, to coordinate training and to set standards for the law enforcement services.

Iowa Law Enforcement Academy FY2008 Annual Report and Performance Report

Annual Report Created by Academy Director E.A. (Penny) Westfall

Iowa Department of Transportation Performance Results Achieved for Fiscal Year 2009

The DOT monitors performance of five core functions, under which are eight services, products and activities (SPAs). In all, 56 measures are used to monitor the core functions and SPAs in the DOT’s performance plan. (See Iowa DOT Performance Report – FY2009, pages 1A-9A.) Overall, DOT’s performance was good in fiscal year 2009. Of the 56 measures in the DOT’s performance plan, 43 measures (77%) met or exceeded their targets. Of the 13 measures falling short, ten were within four percent of their target. This means 95 percent of DOT measures met or exceeded 96 percent of their preset target. Performance measures monitoring the core functions of Physical Asset Management and Resource Management showed the DOT did a good job managing resources. A total of 11 of the 14 (79%) core function and SPA measures met or exceeded their predetermined targets. Two of the three measures falling short were within four percent of its target. Core function and SPA measures within the Transportation Systems core function indicated good performance. A total of 22 of the 30 (73%) core function and SPA measures met or exceeded their predetermined targets. Overall, six of the eight measures falling short were within four percent of their target. Performance measures monitoring the core functions of Enforcement and Investigation and Regulation and Compliance showed the DOT performed well. A total of 10 of the 12 (83%) core function and SPA measures met or exceeded their predetermined targets. Both of the measures falling short were within four percent of their target.

Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Performance Report, FY2014

Annual Report Created by Academy Director E.A. (Penny) Westfall