Strategic Communications and Research
Bureau Overview
The Strategic Communications and Research (SCR) Bureau assists California law enforcement agencies to select, train, and maintain the highest quality work force. The Bureau is staffed by researchers who develop, validate, and manage personnel selection tests.
SCR conducts job analyses, survey research, and selection standard-related or evaluation-related research projects; develops and manages standards and guidance for peace officer and public safety dispatcher selection; and provides consultation on topics such as background investigations, medical and psychological screening through the development and implementation of job-related, valid, legally defensible assessment instruments, procedures, and programs. SCR is also responsible for supporting the POST Electronic Database Interchange (EDI) system, and responding to subpoenas and public records requests.
SCR Programs and Services
- Selection Unit
- External (Statewide) Helpdesk
- Strategic Communications
Selection Tests and Standards-Related Research
SCR oversees numerous selection projects, develops tests, and performs job analyses for peace officers and public safety dispatchers, including physical ability testing. The Bureau is responsible for the continuing development of selection standards and guidance for hiring peace officers and public safety dispatchers. Selection standards include: entry-level exams, oral interview, background investigation, medical and psychological screening.
California peace officers undergo an extensive selection process before they are hired by law enforcement agencies. The role of POST includes establishing minimum selection standards for peace officers in California and conducting research that results in the development of the tests and procedures used by local law enforcement agencies to adhere to these minimum selection standards.
Selection Unit
The Selection unit is responsible for the development and maintenance of POST’s selection standards and regulations, as well as entry-level exams for peace officers and public safety dispatchers. It also aids agencies and applicants in the selection process by developing and providing various manuals, guidelines documents, and examination preparation materials. This unit also has the responsibility for the development, administration, and evaluation of job task analyses for the peace officer and public safety dispatcher positions to ensure that the selection standards and examinations are aligned with the duties being performed.
The selection unit is also focusing on the assessment of knowledge and skill acquisition by students enrolled in POST-certified Basic Courses, which includes development and maintenance of skills examinations for the Regular Basic Course, Specialized Investigators’ Basic Course, and PC 832 Arrest and Firearms Course.
External (Statewide) Helpdesk
Two full-time staff respond to approximately 22,000 email queries and 20,000 phone calls per year from the field involving POST’s statewide systems, including EDI, TMAS, Learning Portal, the POST Website, Basic Course Site, OpenData etc.
EDI Support
The EDI Support Unit provides customer assistance and troubleshooting services to law enforcement agencies and course presenters who use the web-based Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) system. The Support Unit also provides assistance with password problems and answers general questions regarding access to POST PASS.
Through EDI, authorized users may access and print their records in the POST database system and complete online transactions related to appointment/termination notices, training compliance, and the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute. Course presenter functions such as AICP, course certification, instructor resumes, and roster entry may also be done through EDI.
The POST PASS system allows users to review their profiles and access other online systems, such as the Learning Portal.