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Michigan Speed Measurement Operator

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Instructor:

Lance R. Cook retired as a lieutenant from the Michigan State Police in 2024, after serving nearly 37 years in law enforcement at the state, county, and local levels. His last assignment was as the commander of the MSP Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit.  Most of his career was spent in traffic safety, and he is a nationally recognized expert in traffic law, traffic engineering, and traffic crash reconstruction.  He teaches a variety of traffic-related topics.

Course Description:

This course provides instruction in the operation and use of speed-measurement devices in accordance with Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) requirements.  All speed measurement topics, including RADAR and LIDAR, have been taught and certified as a single course since 2010.  This course is intended for in-service police officers who have completed both a basic police academy and a department Field Training Officer program.  This is a 24 hour course that leads to MCOLES certification as a Michigan Speed Measurement Operator.  All speed measurement, including RADAR and LIDAR, is taught and certified as a single course.

Topics:

    • Relationship of speed to traffic safety
    • Legal basis for speed limits
    • Scientific principles of RADAR and LIDAR
    • VASCAR, air speed timing, pacing, and other methods of speed measurement
    • Common features of speed measurement devices
    • Preparation for enforcement
    • Operation of speed measurement devices
    • Speed measurement legal considerations
    • Preparation for court
    • Proctored field practice
    • Field assessment and final written exam

Equipment Needed:

A vehicle with a properly installed and working RADAR will be needed for Day Two.  A LIDAR with fully charged batteries will also be needed for Day Two.  Agencies sending multiple officers should send one vehicle/device for every three officers.

Prerequisites (8 hours to be completed prior to the start of class):

  • The registered officer must have already completed FTO
  • Student Manual Review and Project Completion - 4 Hours
    • You are required to complete a minimum of four (4) hours reviewing the MCOLES Speed Measurement Student Manual. In addition, you must complete Participant Handout projects 1 through 10, which are attached. These exercises are designed to reinforce key concepts and provide practical application of the material.
  • RADAR/LIDAR Operator Manual Review - 2 Hours
    • You must dedicate at least two (2) hours to reviewing the operator manual for your agency’s specific RADAR and/or LIDAR instrument(s). As part of this review, you are required to print or photocopy the verification and calibration procedure page(s). These materials should be brought with you for use during the course and retained for future court reference.
  • Observation of Informal Hearing - 2 Hours
    • You are required to attend an informal hearing for a minimum of two (2) hours.
  • Completion of all pre-course requirements is expected prior to the start of the course
    • Please ensure that all assignments are thoroughly completed and that required materials are brought with you on the first day of instruction, including the completed Oakland Police Academy Speed Measurement Pre-Course Acknowledgment Form

 

Course Details

DATES:  Nov 18-19. 2026 | Dec 15-16, 2026 | Feb 3-4, 2027 | Apr 7-8, 2027 | May 18-19, 2027 | June 15-16, 2027
TIME: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
COST: $400.00 (Small Agency Group Discount – FREE)
LOCATION: Oakland Police Academy 2900 Featherstone, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
REGISTRATION: Email: policetraining@oaklandcc.edu or phone: (248) 232-4227

- 302 Funds Eligible -

*No shows WILL be billed unless cancellation is received FIVE days prior to the class*