POST Monthly Report

october 2016

 

POST COLLABORATES WITH STANFORD UNIVERSITY TO DISCUSS THE SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL ANSWERS TO REAL-WORLD QUESTIONS REGARDING PROCEDURAL JUSTICE

During September 2016, the Training Program Services (TPS) Bureau consultants, met with research scientists at Stanford University for discussion on their Social Psychological Answers to Real-world Questions (SPARQ) initiative.  SPARQ, is a university initiative, focused on using social-psychological research to address pressing social problems.  The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the feasibility of jointly collaborating in the creative design, development, and presentation of critical thinking courses relevant to procedural justice, police legitimacy, implicit association, and racial reconciliation.  The discussion was consistent with recommendations cited in the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing Report.

Questions regarding this SPARQ may be directed to Senior Consultant Charles Evans, Training Program Services Bureau, at (916) 227-3902.


POST STAFF PRESENTS AT ANNUAL BACKGROUND INVESTIGATORS’ TRAINING CONFERENCES

In October, Personnel Selection Consultant Melani Singley and Research Manager Shelley Spilberg, Ph.D. presented updates on the POST peace officer and public safety dispatcher selection requirements at the California Association of Law Enforcement Background Investigators (CALEBI) and California Background Investigators’ Association (CBIA) annual training conferences, respectively. Jeff Dunn, Charles Sandoval and Gary Manini of the Training Delivery and Compliance Bureau discussed compliance inspections and related issues.

Both conferences were well attended by background investigators representing numerous agencies throughout California. Presentations focused on recent updates to POST regulations, including a requirement to share information between background investigators and screening psychologists; a pending regulation eliminating additional selection standards for officers who return to their department within 180 days; and upcoming revisions to the POST Background Investigation Manual and associated forms.

Questions regarding the peace officer and public safety dispatcher selection standards can be directed to Personnel Selection Consultant Melani Singley, Standards, Evaluation and Research Bureau, at (916) 227-4258.


POST AND RESEARCHERS FROM STANFORD UNIVERSITY MEET TO DISCUSS THE RADICALIZATION OF DOMESTICALLY GROWN TERRORISTS

During October 2016, TPS consultants met with Sarah Lyons-Padilla, Ph.D., Stanford University.  Professor Padilla's research focuses on how immigrant feelings of “cultural homelessness” and discrimination, may play a key role in the radicalization of domestically grown terrorists in the United States.  The purpose of the meeting was to discuss how law enforcement and academia could collaborate to strategically design methodologies to interdict the recruitment pipeline for domestic terrorists; and mitigate the negative impact of returning radicalized foreign fighters.  

Questions regarding this report may be directed to Senior Consultant Charles Evans, Training Program Services Bureau, at (916) 227-3902.


STANDARDS, EVALUATION, AND RESEARCH BUREAU (SERB) PILOT TESTING THE NEW COGNITIVE TESTS FOR BASIC COURSES CONTINUES

SERB began testing the new cognitive tests for Basic Courses in August and to date 10 presenters have volunteered to administer the pilot tests. Staff met with the POST Test Panel to review the statistical results to and made adjustments where needed.  The POST Commission approved the new comprehensive testing format in June 2016.

The majority of students are responding favorably to survey questions regarding the new test format.

As pilot testing will continue through June 2017 staff is still requesting assistance from the Basic Course presenters to schedule pilot tests.

Questions regarding the testing for the basic courses may be directed to Personnel Selection Consultant II Diane Hrepich, Standards, Evaluation, and Research Bureau, at (916) 227-4831.


POST MEETS WITH RESEARCHERS AT STANFORD UNIVERSITY REGARDING PRINCIPLED POLICING, LEGITIMACY AND IMPLICIT BIAS

During October 2016, TPS consultants met with Jennifer Eberhardt, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, and co-director of Social Psychological Answers to Real-world Questions (SPARQ:).  Professor Eberhardt’s evidence based research reveals the startling and often dispiriting extent to which racial imagery, implicit associations, and biased judgments pervade our culture and society, shape actions and outcomes within the domain of criminal justice.  Professor Eberhardt's research suggests that these racialized judgments may have roots deeper than contemporary rates of crime or incarceration.

Questions regarding the report may be directed to Senior Consultant Charles Evans, Training Program Services Bureau, at (916) 227-3902.


POST HOSTS THE CALIFORNIA ATTORNEY GENERAL PRINCIPLED POLICING AND IMPLICIT BIAS COURSE

In October 2016, POST hosted the California Attorney General presentation of its Principled Policing and Implicit Bias course.  The class was attended by a full spectrum of law enforcement organizations.  Principled Policing, specifically procedural justice and implicit bias, teaches policing approaches that emphasize respect, listening, neutrality, and trust (Procedural Justice), while also addressing the common implicit biases that can be barriers to these approaches (Implicit Bias).  

Research reveals that law enforcement can improve trust and relationships between law enforcement agencies and their communities by using these principles to evaluate their policies, procedures, and training within their agencies.

Questions regarding the Principled Policing and Implicit Bias course may be directed to Senior Consultant Charles Evans, Training Program Services Bureau, at (916) 227-3902.


POST PRESENTS PRINCIPLED POLICING AND IMPLICIT BIAS CURRICULUM AT COPSWEST TRAINING EXPOSITION

During October 2016, the TPS consultants attended the California Peace Officer’s Association, COPSWEST Training Exposition.  The training was held at the Sacramento Convention Center.  TPS presented an overview of POST collaboration with the California Attorney General, Stockton and Oakland police departments in designing, developing, and presenting the POST-certified Principled Policing and Implicit Bias course.

Questions regarding the Principled Policing and Implicit Bias course may be directed to Senior Consultant Charles Evans, Training Program Services Bureau, at (916) 227-3902.


POST HOSTS THE INSTRUCTOR DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE LEADERSHIP, COACHING AND MENTORING COURSE

In October 2016, the TPS consultants audited the POST-certified Instructor Development Institute (IDI), Leadership, Coaching and Mentoring course.  The class was held at POST Headquarters and attended by 22 students.  This course is open to any trainer teaching California law enforcement, and satisfies the requirement for certification in the IDI program at Level 3.  The purpose of the course is to further develop the California law enforcement trainers’ knowledge and skills in leadership, mentoring, and coaching with a specific focus on using these skills as a trainer.  The student focused on inter-disciplinary curriculum is co-facilitated by highly experienced trainers.  Course work includes the following topics:

  • Orientation to Leadership and Leadership Principles
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Leading the Generations
  • Mentoring of Instructors
  • Coaching and Counseling Skills for Trainers

Questions regarding the Instructor Development Institute Leadership Coaching and Mentoring course may be directed to Senior Consultant Charles Evans, Training Program Services Bureau, at (916) 227-3902.


POST AUDITS THE VENTURA COUNTY SHERIFF’S ACADEMY INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION COURSE (AICC)

During October, the Training Program Services Bureau audited the Ventura County Sheriff’s Academy Instructor Certification Course (AICC).  The AICC is intended to "equip" instructors with the skills, competencies, and knowledge necessary to deliver training for recruits and peace officers in a manner that emphasizes the retention and application of knowledge consistent with the goals and mission of policing.  The AICC satisfies the goal of preparing Basic Course Instructional System.  A primary goal of the Academy Instructor Certificate Course (AICC) is to comply with the requirements of the minimum standards for Regular Basic Course (RBC) instructors detailed in POST Regulations sections 1071, 1082, and 1083.

Questions regarding the AICC may be directed to Senior Consultant Charles Evans, Training Program Services Bureau, at (916) 227-3902.


CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL HOSTS THE CALIFORNIA ATTORNEY GENERAL'S PRINCIPLED POLICING AND IMPLICIT BIAS COURSE

During October 2016, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) hosts the California Attorney General presentation of the POST-certified Principled Policing and Implicit Bias course.  The course was held at the CHP Headquarters and attended by 30 California Highway Patrol Department personnel.  The training was well received.   

Questions regarding the course may be directed to Senior Consultant Charles Evans, Program Services Bureau, at (916) 227-3902.

 

POST ATTENDS THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION CHIEF OF POLICE CONFERENCE

During October 15-18, 2016, POST Executive Director and TPS senior consultants attended the International Association Chief of Police (IACP) Conference held in San Diego, California.  The convention presented 150 distinctive workshops.  Each provided a rich source of evidence-based information and insights regarding contemporary and emergent law enforcement challenges.  The workshops also revealed innovatively creative problem-solving strategies and solutions to pressing law enforcement and community concerns.  The conference was attended by numerous domestic and international law enforcement professional.

Questions regarding the IACP Conference may be directed to Senior Consultant Charles Evans, Training Program Services Bureau, at (916) 227-3902.


MEET THE NEW POST EMPLOYEES


Andrew MendonsaSenior Consultant Andrew Mendonsa
Management Counseling, Leadership Development Bureau

POST is pleased to welcome Andrew Mendonsa as a Senior Consultant for the Management Counseling, Leadership Development Bureau.  His assignments include managing the Evidence and Property Course Manual and conducing evidence and property studies for law enforcement agencies.

Prior to coming to POST, Andrew Mendonsa was an 18-year veteran with the Amador County Sheriff’s Office in Northern California.  During his career, he served in a wide variety of assignments, including court security, patrol, SWAT, administration and training and standards.  Prior to leaving Amador County, he served as a sergeant in the Investigations Bureau, supervising and conducting investigations related to homicide, robbery, sexual assault, and child abuse.

Andrew formerly served as a field training officer, primary firearms instructor and sniper team leader.  He is a certified instructor at a state law enforcement academy, delivering courses in crisis intervention, victimology and search warrant preparation.  He has served as a subject matter expert in law enforcement marksmanship and was part of the first detective cognitive study administered by the California Peace Officer Standards and Training.  Andrew formerly served as an adviser to the Los Rios Community College law enforcement academy in Sacramento.

Andrew holds a Bachelor of Science degree from California State University, Long Beach and a Master’s degree in Criminology and Management from the University of Cambridge. His research interests including procedural justice, legitimacy, and sentencing theory.  Andrew is also a founding member of American Society of Evidence Based Policing (ASEBP) and is a policing fellow with the Police Foundation.

Questions regarding the Evidence and Property Course Manual or the evidence and property management studies, may be directed to Senior Consultant Andrew Mendonsa, Management Counseling, Leadership Development Bureau, at (916) 227-2510.


Jenny RuthStaff Services Manager Jenny Ruth
Administrative Services Bureau

POST is pleased to welcome Jenny Ruth to the Administrative Services Bureau.  Jenny started with POST on October 24, 2016, and is a Staff Services Manager I who will be supervising the Human Resources Office and the Professional Certificates Unit.  

Jenny started her career with the State of California in 1999 as a Key Data Operator for the California Department of Justice.  Jenny has been a Staff Services Manager I with the California Correctional Health Care Services for the past two years, and has more than six years of varied Human Resources experience.

Questions regarding Human Resources issues may be directed to Staff Services Manager Jenny Ruth, Administrative Services Bureau, at (916) 227-3927.

 

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE – STATUS OF CURRENT LEGISLATION

The following are bills in Legislative Session 2015-16.  Each bill would have an impact on POST operations, or be of significant interest to law enforcement partners.

Questions regarding legislative issues may be directed to Legislative Consultant Ralph Brown, Executive Office, at (916) 227-2804.

Bill # and Author Title and Summary Status of Bill

AB 1664

Assembly Members
Levine, Ting, & Chiu

Firearms: assault weapons

This bill would amend Penal Code Sections 30515 and 30900, and add section 30680, in essence, to define “detachable magazine” and expand the definition of assault weapons.

Introduced Date: 1/14/16

8/30/16 – Order to inactive file pursuant to Senate Rule 29

AB 1680

Assembly Member Rodriguez

Crimes: emergency personnel

This bill would amend Section 402 of the Penal Code, to prohibit the operation or use of a drone or unmanned aerial vehicle at the scene of an emergency by non-emergency personnel.

Introduced Date: 1/19/16

9-29-16 – Chaptered by Secretary of State, Chapter 817

AB 1731

Assembly Member Atkins

Human Trafficking: Statewide Interagency Human Trafficking Task Force

This bill would add Section 236.13 to the Penal Code, creating the Statewide Interagency Human Trafficking Task Force.  The Task Force would gather statewide data on sex and labor trafficking, sex buys, and human trafficking, and would recommend interagency protocols and best practices for training and outreach to law enforcement.

Introduced Date: 1/28/16

8/11/16 – In Committee, held under submission

AB 1820

Assembly Member Quirk

Unmanned aircraft systems

This bill would add Penal Code Section 14350 and generally prohibit a law enforcement agency from using an unmanned aircraft system, obtain from another agency, loan, or arrange to use information obtained from an unmanned aircraft system with several exceptions.  This bill would also require the destruction of data within one year, except as specified.

Introduced Date: 2/8/16

6/28/16 – In committee: Set for 1st hearing, failed passage, reconsideration granted

AB 1869

Assembly Member Melendez & Gray

 

Theft: firearms

This bill would amend Penal Code Sections 490.2 and 496, and amend Prop 47 by making the buying/receiving stolen firearms a misdemeanor or felony.

Introduced Date: 2/10/16

8/11/16 – In Committee, held under submission

AB 1940

Assembly Member Cooper

 

Peace officers: body-worn cameras: policies and procedures

This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation to establish policies and procedures to address issues related to peace officers’ use of body-worn cameras.

 

Introduced Date: 2/12/16

6/28/16 – In Senate Public Safety Committee, set for 1st hearing, failed passage

AB 1957

Assembly Member
Quirk

Public records: body-worn cameras

This bill would add Penal Code Section 6254.31 to the Government Code relating to public records and authorize the governing board of a law enforcement agency, in closed session, to review footage from a body-worn camera when an officer is involved in an incident that resulted in great bodily injury or death. It would also require the release of footage from a body-worn camera 60 days after the commencement of an investigation into a misconduct allegation based on use of force resulting in great bodily injury or death.

Introduced Date: 2/12/16

6/13/16 – Stricken from file

AB 2327

Assembly Member
Cooley

 

Contacting or communicating with a minor

This bill would make it a crime to contact or communicate with a minor, or attempt to contact or communicate with a minor, as specified, with the intent to commit human trafficking of, or unlawful sexual intercourse with the minor.

Introduction Date: 2/18/16

8/11/16 – In Committee, held under submission

AB 2361

Assembly Member
Santiago

 

Peace officers: independent institutions of higher education: security officers

This bill would allow a person regularly employed as a security guard for an independent institution of higher education to be deputized or appointed as a reserve peace officer or officer by a sheriff or chief of police if he or she has completed the basic training course for deputy sheriffs and police officers prescribed by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, and the institution of higher education and the appropriate local law enforcement agency have entered into a memorandum of understanding.  The bill would make the authority of a person designated as a peace officer pursuant to these provisions applicable only while he or she is engaged in the performance of his or her assigned duties.

Introduced Date: 2/18/16

9/14/16 – Chaptered by Secretary of State, Chapter 356

AB 2611

Assembly Member Low

The California Public Records Act: visual or audio recording of peace officer’s death: conditional exemption from disclosure

This bill would amend Penal Code Section 6254 of the Government Code to expand the exemption of disclosure to include investigatory or security audio or video recordings. The bill would exempt from disclosure any audio or video recording depicting the death or serious bodily injury of a peace officer.

 

Introduced Date: 2/19/16

8/23/16 – Hearing canceled at author’s request

AB 2724

Assembly Member Gatto

Unmanned aircraft

This bill would state the intent of the Legislature is to enact legislation that would provide immunity for first responders who damage or destroy drones that interfere with emergency operations.

Introduced Date: 2/19/16

9/29/16 – Vetoed by Governor

SB 823

Senator Block

Criminal procedure: human trafficking

This bill would amend Penal Code Section 1203.49, to create a presumption that if a defendant were committing ANY offense while he/she were a victim of human trafficking, the defendant is entitled to a presumption the requirements of relief have been met; (among other considerations) the guilty verdict will be set aside.

Introduced Date: 1/6/16

9/26/16 – Chaptered by Secretary of State, Chapter 650

SB 870

Senator Roth

Domestic violence

This bill would make non-substantive edits to Penal Code Section 273.5, relating to domestic violence.

Introduced Date: 1/12/16

6/21/16 – Set for 2nd hearing, canceled at the request of author

SB 894

Senator Jackson

Firearms: lost or stolen: reports

This bill would require every person who owns a firearm to report the theft or loss to local law enforcement within five-days.

Introduced Date: 1/21/16

7/1/16 – In Senate, Consideration of Governor's veto pending

SB 1200

Senator Jackson

Animal cruelty: criminal statistics

This bill would require the course of basic training for corrections and probation officers on domestic violence to include adequate instruction on the seriousness of animal cruelty and its link to violence against humans. (Numerous amendments removing peace officers, adding probation officers.)

Introduced Date: 2/18/16

8/29/16 – Chaptered by Secretary of State; Chapter 237

SB 1221

Senator Hertzberg

Firefighters: interaction with persons with mental disabilities

This bill would authorize POST to make the mental health training currently available to peace officers available to firefighters and fire departments.

Introduced Date: 2/18/16

9/14/16 – Chaptered by Secretary of State, Chapter 367

SB 1289

Senator Lara

Law enforcement: immigration

This bill would prohibit the board of supervisors or sheriff of a county or a legislative body or chief of police of a city or a city and county from entering into or renewing a contract to detain immigrants for profit, on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security, with a private corporation, contractor, or vendor.

Introduced Date: 2/19/16

9/28/16 – In Senate, Consideration of Governor’s veto pending

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 The POST Monthly Report is a monthly status report that informs POST Commissioners and the California law enforcement community of recent progress on POST projects and instructional programs under development, and other information of importance to our mission to continually enhance the professionalism of California law enforcement.

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