December 2013

December APR and Year In Review

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
By Bob Stresak

”The task ahead of us is never as great as the power behind us.” – Emerson

The year 2013 has been one of changes and challenges. The Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) experienced the replacement of two Assistant Executive Directors and four Bureau Chiefs. There were four additional promotions of support staff and eight new employees were hired to fill vacancies at POST. My deepest appreciation goes to those venerated and experienced individuals who left a legacy of excellence at POST upon their retirements. I am confident and encouraged by our new team of replacements.

Despite internal growth, POST continued to be plagued with the challenge of filling Law Enforcement Consultant vacancies, primarily due to existing retirement restrictions. A concerted statewide recruitment effort focused on the priority of filling these vacancies. As a result, during this last hiring cycle 70 applicants sought employment at POST. We expect to fill all existing vacancies within the organization by February 2014, and enjoy a sufficient number of applicants in reserve for future vacancies. This translates into improved service to our stakeholders. My thanks to the organizations and associations that supported this effort.

In 2013, POST was proud to receive a first-ever Emmy Award for the production of POST’s “Did You Know” series videos. I encourage you to take the time to view “Did You Know: Speed” available through our website.

In January, POST will begin a Commission-approved effort to create a new strategic plan that will help define, and position, POST for the future. The last major update to the strategic plan was in 2008.

It is anticipated that March 2014 will see the first pilot of POST’s Edge of Chaos Course, a course intended to address response to, and decision making during, chaotic events. A timely topic.

POST will face some fiscal challenges. The loss of over 4,400 peace officers and 2,000 support personnel throughout the ranks of California law enforcement due to recessionary forces, reduced budgets for courts and prosecutors, and a drop of over 1 million traffic citations over the past 5 years ultimately impacted our funding. In response, POST had to determine how to equitably reduce statewide services. Guiding this decision were our core values of officer safety, support for the basic course, and instructor quality. Efforts were made not to eliminate training programs, but where possible, to reduce them proportionately. In other words, every effort was made not to eliminate service, only to reduce it to incur reductions in our expenditures. POST staff will continue to monitor our progress and, where possible, adjust our strategy accordingly. On the bright side, these fiscal challenges presented POST with opportunities to review our own fiscal practices, ensure that appropriate fiscal forecasting triggers are effective, and to make every effort to look introspectively to see what can be done to attenuate future disruptions to law enforcement training services and support.

Today’s exponential growth of technology requires us to be continually vigilant of how training information is delivered. While speed and convenience can be beneficial to the law enforcement student, we still must be certain that the online delivery method is effective and maintains the quality standards of POST. We owe this to the men and women who serve our communities with nobility.

Instructor quality remains a cornerstone of our efforts. It is not just the curriculum that makes the course; it is the quality of instruction that imparts knowledge and competency to the student. It is not the script, but the actor that enriches the script. Every effort must be made to ensure the level of law enforcement instruction is delivered with high expectations of instructors who incorporate student-centered learning, critical thinking, and student accountability. Understand, curriculum content is important, but by raising the “tide of instructor quality” all boats will rise.

POST staff has enjoyed a collaborative relationship with the Commission and the insight of the Advisory Committee. Working with the California Police Chiefs' Association, the California State Sheriffs' Association, the Peace Officers' Research Association of California, the California Peace Officers' Association, public safety advocates within the Legislature, and other organizations has been a pleasure. I look forward to continued collaboration with these organizations in 2014.

And lastly, the question I have to ask is perhaps the same for you. Where did 2013 go? My answer would be “it went to efforts to effectively serve to the best of our ability.”

With your continued support, the “tasks ahead” can be accomplished.

Please accept my warmest wishes for a healthy and productive 2014.

DECEMBER 2013 APR

ANNOUNCING THE LEARNING DOMAIN 19, VEHICLE OPERATIONS, E-WORKBOOK BETA TEST

We want your feedback! POST is recruiting presenters of the Regular Basic Course (RBC) to beta test the e-Workbook for Learning Domain (LD) 19, Vehicle Operations. E-Workbooks are the next generation Regular Basic Course Student Workbooks, providing enhanced training content and the convenience of a tablet (currently in the iBooks and cross-platform PDF file formats). Ideally, volunteers will be instructors and students who are able to use the e-Workbook during LD 19 training. POST also welcomes general product reviews by staff not directly involved in LD 19 training.

You must have an Apple iPad to participate in the beta test. 

Questions about the e-Workbook beta test may be directed to Senior Information Systems Analyst Ted Fitzpatrick, Computer Services Bureau, at (916) 227-3905.

POLICE CHIEF-CITY MANAGER WORKSHOP CURRICULUM UPDATE UNDERWAY

The Police Chief-City Manager Workshop provides a unique opportunity for police chiefs and city managers to come together in a workshop setting to examine the city’s police services while forging an effective working relationship.

In early December, POST staff and the course presenter met with a group of current chiefs and city managers to review and update the curriculum. A number of scenarios were developed based on actual challenges faced by police chiefs and city managers throughout California. Lessons learned and best practices will be incorporated throughout the revised curriculum.  Presentations are anticipated to resume in the spring of 2014.

Questions about the Police Chief-City Manager Workshop may be directed to Staff Services Manager I Kathy Hobson, Management Counseling, Leadership Development Bureau, at (916) 227-3911.

BASIC TRAINING BUREAU FACILITATES WORKSHOPS TO REFINE EMERGENCY VEHICLE OPERATIONS CURRICULUM

POST’s Basic Training Bureau is facilitating workshops to update the curriculum for Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) training. The workshops address a comprehensive level of EVOC training needs for both in-service officers and basic academy students.

The group consists of staff from the Basic Training Bureau as well as subject matter experts from throughout the state with emergency vehicle operations experience, including veteran instructors and training administrators. The participants review law and regulatory mandates, and current trends in emergency vehicle operations, including contemporary and future vehicle capabilities that will significantly change emergency driving performance.

The committee works to determine the best manner to ensure the curriculum in the Driver Awareness Instructor Course and the Driver Training Instructor Course meets the training needs of peace officers. The Basic Training Bureaus’ ultimate goal is to reduce officer and public member fatalities, injuries, property damage, and exposure to liability.

The Basic Training Bureau will host further workshops in 2014 to refine curriculum and present a contemporary work product to meet the needs of law enforcement.

Questions about the POST Basic Training Bureau or Emergency Vehicle Operations should be directed to Bureau Chief Scott Loggins, Basic Training Bureau, at (916) 227-4261.

POST LIBRARY RESEARCH SERVICES REQUEST FORM

Requesting research services from the POST Library has been made easier with the Research Services Request Form. Starting on January 6, POST Library patrons can use the Research Services Request Form to ask for help in locating materials, answering questions, or in reviewing and summarizing materials on a specific topic.

The Research Services Request form can be found under the Resources tab on the POST Website.

Questions about the POST Library may be directed to Supervising Librarian Laurel Espell, Standards, Evaluation, and Research Bureau, at (916) 227-3204.

YEAR IN REVIEW

The following is a synopsis of POST projects and activities for 2013. The full text of each month’s Administrative Progress Reports can be accessed through the POST Website.

January 2013

POST LEARNING PORTAL – COURSES CONTINUE TO GARNER PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS

The online courses “Domestic Violence: It’s Your Call, Volumes I and II,” “Sexual Assault: The Patrol Response,” and “Gangs: PC 186.22 for Patrol” have each won training industry awards.

“Domestic Violence: It’s Your Call, Volumes I and II,” and “Sexual Assault: The Patrol Response” are both 2012 Brandon Hall Excellence in Learning Gold award winners for Best Custom Content. “Domestic Violence: It’s Your Call, Volumes I and II” were launched on POST’s Learning Portal in April 2012; and each volume meets the legislative mandate for biennial domestic violence update training (PC 13519). In addition, the individual scenarios are available on the Learning Portal for use by Basic Academy instructors. “Sexual Assault: The Patrol Response” was launched in June 2012. To date, over 7,000 peace officers and dispatchers have completed these courses.

The Brandon Hall Excellence in Learning Awards is presented annually by Brandon Hall Research, one of the leading research firms in training and development. Now in its seventeenth year, the awards program showcases exceptional work in learning and development. Entries were judged by a panel of independent senior judges, Brandon Hall Group Sr. Analysts, and Executive Leadership based upon the following criteria: fit the need, design of the program, functionality, usability, innovation, and overall measurable benefits.

In addition, “Gangs: PC 186.22 for Patrol” received a Bronze award at the 2012 International Serious Play Awards, a program honoring exceptional examples of corporate, military, school/at home learning, and games-for-good titles. The awards were announced during the 2012 Serious Play Conference, at DigiPen Institute of Technology. The Gangs course was launched on POST’s Learning Portal in November 2010. To date, over 5,000 peace officers and dispatchers have completed the course, which earns 3 hours of Continuing Professional Training credit.

A panel of experts selected 18 serious games for recognition. This year’s entries also included international submissions from Canada, Spain, India, Singapore, the Netherlands, and Macedonia.

The following is a sample of the feedback POST received from officers who have completed each course:

Domestic Violence: It’s Your Call

“This web-based training is very fresh and cutting edge. Once you are familiar with the activity tools, it was relatively easy to complete the course work.”

“I really appreciate POST and the Learning Portal. It’s really nice for those “out of the way” counties to keep in the loop without having to travel for up to date “Fresh” information. Thank you.”

“Very good medical information regarding injuries and symptoms related to strangulation. Never knew about that stuff.”

Sexual Assault: The Patrol Response

“This was the best web-based course I've taken from POST. This course actually held my interest, was very informative in how to sensitively deal with 261 victims and nicely handled the evidentiary collection processes.”

“Great course...actually believed I was interviewing victims. Very real.”

Gangs: PC 186.22 for Patrol

“Excellent Course. Much more familiar with 186 PC now. More confident in establishing gang involvement.”

“Very informative course. I liked the realistic features and using real gangs. Real life scenarios and I liked the question answer format with real slang and verbiage. Thank you!”

EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT COURSE INSTRUCTORS CONVENED

During January, the Executive Development Course (EDC) instructional cadre was convened for a two-day workshop. The workshop had a two-fold purpose: 1) to familiarize instructors with the learning outcomes developed at a December subject matter experts (SME) meeting, and 2) to discuss optimal methods for curriculum delivery. Each instructor modeled strategies for critical thinking and incorporated new protocols into their curricula.

While the EDC has been continuously reviewed to ensure currency of the content, it has not been systematically and comprehensively analyzed in several years. Thus, it is now being subjected to in-depth evaluation to ensure the content is responsive to contemporary needs and that the curriculum is being effectively delivered.

February 2013

WORK BEGINS ON POST MEDICAL SCREENING MANUAL REVISIONS

A project to revise the POST Medical Screening Manual for California Law Enforcement commenced with a kick-off meeting held on February 27, in Anaheim. Earlier in the month, MED-TOX was awarded the contract to revise five Manual chapters: Musculoskeletal, Respiratory, Cardiovascular, Hematology, and Vision.

Meeting participants included POST contract management staff Shelley Weiss Spilberg, Ph.D. and Melani Singley; MED-TOX project director Gene Carmean and Dr. Leslie Israel; and Dr. Robert Goldberg, Director of Occupational Health for Los Angeles County, who will provide medical oversight. Also in attendance was Marta Sneddon, an exercise physiologist and member of the POST Basic Academy’s Physical Training Committee and the Physical Training Instructor Course Certification Committee. Marta, along with members of the POST Basic Training Bureau, will provide expertise in the physical demands facing peace officers during training and on the job.

PEACE OFFICER JOB ANALYSIS PROJECT BEGINS

POST has begun a project to update the entry-level peace officer job analysis. The job analysis completed during this project will identify the tasks, skills, abilities, knowledge requirements, and traits that are critical to successful job performance as a peace officer. The first phase of the project was completed in February. The second phase of the analysis will commence in March. POST staff will conduct site visits to various law enforcement agencies to “shadow” and interview peace officers as they perform their daily duties.

March 2013

SAFE DRIVING CAMPAIGN MOTORS ADVISORY GROUP

The SAFE Driving Campaign’s MOTORS Advisory Group met this March in Sacramento.  MOTORS stands for Motor Officer Training and Operations Review for Safety. The group’s mandate is the advancement of preferred policy, training practices, and safety equipment that will serve to reduce fatal and serious injury traffic collisions involving law enforcement motorcycles.

The Advisory Group consists of motor unit managers, supervisors, and lead trainers from various police departments, including the Cities of Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, El Cerrito, and Davis; from various sheriffs’ departments, including the Counties of Los Angeles, Alameda, and San Bernardino; and from various state agencies, including the California Highway Patrol, and California Office of Traffic Safety.

The Advisory Group has begun drafting statewide guidelines specifically pertaining to the operation of law enforcement motorcycles. These guidelines will address various legal, policy, operational, training, safety, and equipment considerations. To the extent possible, “best practices” will be identified and incorporated into recommendations.

The intent of these guidelines is to provide helpful guidance to law enforcement agencies in the formation, oversight, operation, and training of effective law enforcement motorcycle units. While these guidelines will encourage some degree of standardization, it is recognized that local conditions and needs vary considerably and therefore flexibility is afforded agencies. These guidelines will address motorcycle operations that focus on effectiveness and safety.

POST HOSTS STATEWIDE TRAINING MANAGERS WORKSHOP

During March 2013, POST hosted a Statewide Training Managers Workshop in Burlingame, California. Over 200 attendees managing law enforcement agency training programs throughout California met and received current training and information including POST regulations and processes.

The workshop included attorney Missy O’Linn who spoke on Training Challenges in Law Enforcement, Deputy Chief Janeith Glenn-Davis of the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District Police Department, attorneys Morin Jacob and Joseph Lucia reviewed the Mehserle case and training lessons learned.

The workshop also included hands-on training from POST staff in breakout sessions about course certification, the POST Learning Portal, Academy Instructor Certificate Program, the Electronic Data Interchange System, Reimbursements, POST certificates, the POST Website and Library.

9th ANNUAL ICI DETECTIVE SYMPOSIUM HELD IN UNIVERSAL CITY

The Robert Presley Institute of Criminal Investigation (ICI) held its 9th annual Detective Symposium in Universal City from March 25 to 28, 2013. This conference was hosted by the Los Angeles Police Department with assistance from many dedicated committee members. Planning for this program began a year ago and culminated in a successful program for 600 detectives from throughout the state.

There was a mix of daily plenary sessions that discussed lessons learned during major incidents including the shooting of Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford and Missing Child Caylee Anthony investigation; an overview of research tools for complex investigations by Cynthia Heatherington; and a special speaker who described a personal perspective on the resilience of victims and survivors. The symposium featured two VIPs, Dr. William Lewinski of Force Science Institute, an expert in Human Behavior in Force Encounters, and Lieutenant Colonel Dave Grossman, an internationally recognized scholar, soldier, expert in the field of human aggression and the roots of violence and violent crime, and author of many books including “The Bulletproof Mind,” “On Killing,” and “On Combat.”

Each day offered a variety of breakout training sessions that provided detectives with an opportunity to select investigative courses to enhance their skills.

The breakout session topics included Operation Garlic Press (storefront) Sting Operation, Forensic Art, Current Trends in Mortgage Fraud, Water-Related Evidence Recovery and Analysis, Mexican Mafia, High Tech Take-Over Robbery Case, Occupy Oakland, Coronado Mansion Death Investigation, DNA, Cognitive Interviewing, Social Networking, and Technical Tools for Any Investigation.

POST’S FIRST MOBILE APP – FOR INVESTIGATORS

Staff debuted its first mobile “app” at the 2013 ICI Detective Symposium. It is estimated that over 300 investigators downloaded the app over a two-day period.

The app breaks down the investigation process into five main phases, each of which is then broken down into its major steps. Investigators can then access the suggested inputs/outputs, processes, and guidelines for each of the steps. The tool provides a good “mental model” of the investigation process. It not only helps new investigators get up-to-speed more quickly, but also is a good resource for seasoned investigators.

The tool can be used with either a smartphone or desktop computer by going to the “Tools” category on the POST Learning Portal. The application is titled “Investigation Tool,” but POST is seeking suggestions for a new title. The mobile application is in “beta” and staff is seeking feedback prior to releasing the final version, which will be available in App Stores (iTunes and Google Play).

NEW TRAINING VIDEO FORMAT FEATURED AT TRAINING MANAGER’S WORKSHOP

Learning Technology Resources Staff demonstrated the new POST training video format at the March Training Manager’s Workshop in Burlingame.

The first video in the new format was released on DVD in July 2012. It provides easy-to-follow steps for group facilitation by instructors, and includes a process to allow Continuous Professional Training (CPT) credit to be awarded to trainees viewing on an individual basis. (Refer to Bulletin 2012-09 (pdf)).

Since the inception of the training video program, instructor-led classroom facilitation of the POST videos has been required for trainees to receive CPT credit. However, the direction and instructor support needed to accommodate this requirement was limited. Now, the POST training videos will provide enhanced functionality and options for facilitators and individual trainees that include set-up questions, sample facilitation sessions/demonstrations, and interviews with subject matter experts that clarify and reiterate important teaching points.

The response from the attendees was very positive.

Already released in the new format are Social Media for Law Enforcement, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder/Traumatic Brain Injury (PTSD/TBI), and Ethical Decision Making. To be released within the next three months are Crowd Intervention and Management, Everyday Leadership, Mental Health Update, and Stress Management.

April 2013

TWO “DID YOU KNOW” VIDEOS NOMINATED FOR EMMY AWARDS

The National Academy of Television Arts and Science, Pacific Southwest Chapter, announced the nominations for 2013 Emmy Awards in San Diego on April 30. Among the nominees were the POST “Did You Know - 10-97” and “Did You Know - Fatigue” videos.

The “Did You Know” series was created by POST in 2010 to feature important safety or informational messages in a quick and dynamic way. The videos, nominated in the category of Community/Public Service PSAs, feature two of the five factors that cause career-ending and fatal collisions for law enforcement officers: speed and fatigue.

The winners would be announced on June 13, 2013, in Las Vegas.

THE 2013 POST INSTRUCTOR SYMPOSIUM

The 2013 POST Instructor Development Institute (IDI) annual Training Symposium was held April 16-19 in San Jose. The Symposium was presented by the San Diego Regional Training Center and featured the theme entitled “Creating a Culture of Training Excellence.”

The Instructor Symposium provides an opportunity for instructors to receive state-of-the-art instructor training and satisfy the academy instructor and continuing professional training requirements. The Symposium was attended by approximately 340 instructors, 100 of whom were Robert Presley Institute of Criminal Investigation (ICI) instructors.

The Symposium began with the first morning dedicated to ICI instructors. The keynote speaker for this session was Dr. James Reese. Dr. Reese is a retired FBI agent and Assistant Unit Chief of the Behavioral Science Unit at Quantico, Virginia. He spoke to the ICI instructors on “Teaching in an Ever Changing World - Instructor Resiliency.” ICI Instructors participated in an awards ceremony dedicated to “Excellence in Instruction.” Recipients of these awards consisted of instructors who were recognized for their respective contribution of excellence in instruction of ICI courses. Los Angeles Police Department Detective III Amira Smith received the Robert Presley ICI 2013 Founder’s Award. Detective Smith was recognized for her achievements as a POST Core Course Presenter, ICI Instructor (ICII) Course Facilitator, ICII Mentor, Detective Symposium Presenter and committee member, and LAPD Detective Unit Officer-in-Charge (OIC).

The Symposium featured several workshops which included topics such as Maximizing Facilitation Skills, iPad for Law Enforcement, High Risk Ethics, Emotional Intelligence, Critical Legal Issues, Critical Thinking, Video for the Classroom, Podcasting, and PowerPoint.

PC 832 PROCTOR TRAINING NOW AVAILABLE ON LEARNING PORTAL

POST Regulation D-1 requires presenters to complete POST-developed Penal Code (PC) 832 proctor training prior to administering and scoring any of the required PC 832 tests. Previously, instructors assigned to proctor PC 832 tests were required to attend a special seminar presented by POST staff and regional trainers. Effective April 2013, all PC 832 Proctor Training is available on the POST Learning Portal.

In October 2010, POST released required skills evaluation forms for the skills tests for PC 832 Arrest Control and Firearms testing. As a result, any proctor of the PC 832 skills tests trained prior to October 2010 and wishing to continue as a proctor must take the new online course(s). Additionally, training is required for any individual newly assigned to proctor any of the required PC 832 tests listed below:

• PC 832 Arrest Written Test: Only individuals who have completed the required POST online proctor courses may administer and score the PC 832 Arrest Written Test.
• PC 832 Arrest Methods Skills Tests: Only individuals who are certified defensive tactics instructors and who have completed the POST online proctor courses may administer the test, complete the test forms, and score the tests.
• PC 832 Firearms Skills Test: Only individuals who are certified firearms instructors and who have completed the POST online proctor courses may administer the firearms test, complete the test form, and score the test.

Penal Code section 832 presenters must submit a form identifying staff required to take the online proctor courses. Contact Jennifer Imlay to request the form.

NEWLY-DESIGNED DISPATCH CENTER AND COMMERCIAL ON LEARNING PORTAL

In celebration of National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, April 13-20, 2013, Learning Technology Resources (LTR) launched the newly-designed Dispatch Center and its companion promotional commercial. The commercial was created to help spread the word and encourage dispatchers to participate in the Dispatch Center.

Since this is the first community-based center of its kind on the Portal, LTR worked closely with the POST Public Safety Dispatcher Advisory Council and others to create an area where dispatchers from across the state can network with other agencies to share best practices, policies, articles, and training tips. The Dispatch Center also includes instant polls, a calendar of events, dispatch-related discussions, and an honoree area.

Located in Hotsheets on the Learning Portal, dispatchers are encouraged to login to explore, share, and discuss topics in the Dispatch Center. Membership to the Dispatch Center is automatic for dispatchers.

TERRORISM LIAISON OFFICER COORDINATORS CONFERENCE – CENTRAL CALIFORNIA INTELLIGENCE CENTER/SACRAMENTO RTAC

POST staff participated in the TLO-C (Terrorism Liaison Officer – Coordinator) Conference held at the Central California Intelligence Center/Sacramento Regional Threat Assessment Center (RTAC) headquarters on April 2, in Sacramento. The conference was attended by approximately 80 federal, state, and local officials and served as a forum for program management, education, and training updates for TLOs and first responders within the federal Eastern District of California.

The agenda included briefings by federal, state, and local agencies on international terrorism, domestic terrorism, emerging threats, radicalization, cyber security, suspicious activity reporting, and special events. Key training topics identified during a roundtable discussion included critical infrastructure protection, school assessments, violent extremism, human trafficking, and active shooter response.

POST HOSTS RESERVE PROGRAM ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING

In April 2013, POST hosted a two-day meeting of the Reserve Program Advisory Council, which is a standing council that provides support for the Reserve Peace Officer Program by reviewing proposals and issues and serving as a sounding board. The California Reserve Peace Officer Program is composed of civic-minded citizens who choose to dedicate a portion of their time to community service by working as part-time employees or volunteers with law enforcement agencies. Reserve officers work with full-time regular officers to provide law enforcement services at the city, county, district, and state levels. Approximately 350 law enforcement agencies currently employ 5,600 reserve officers that perform a broad range of general and specialized law enforcement assignments.

The council is a multi-disciplinary group consisting of reserve officers, reserve coordinators, academies, modular format presenters, agency executives, and representatives of the California Reserve Peace Officers' Association. The council meets, as needed, at the request of the Basic Training Bureau.

Council members met with POST staff and reviewed the status of the reserve program with an emphasis on recruitment and retention of reserve peace officers. The agenda also included making training more available for new reserve coordinators and providing update training for experienced coordinators. There was also a discussion of field training for reserve officers.

May 2013

POST ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF NEW ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Please welcome Janice “Jan” Bullard, POST’s newly-promoted, and first female, Assistant Executive Director.

Jan has 26 years of law enforcement experience. She served 1 year as a Level II Reserve Officer for the City of South Pasadena, 6 years with the Glendora Police Department as their first female police officer, and 19 years with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department.

While at Santa Barbara, her assignments included training manager, background investigator, public information officer, and patrol. Jan supervised several bureaus, including Personnel and Training, Patrol, DARE, and the Mounted Unit.

Jan first came to POST in 1997 as a Management Fellow. In this capacity, she spent two years as the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Grant Program Coordinator. Her demonstrated competency led to full-time employment in 1999 as a POST Law Enforcement Consultant.

Jan’s initial work began in the Training Program Services Bureau on projects such as racial profiling, hate crimes, model respiratory program, and the Museum of Tolerance. For three years, she was an Area Consultant for Region 3, assigned to POST’s Training Delivery and Compliance Bureau. Jan was promoted to Bureau Chief of the Learning Technology Resources Bureau in 2009.

Jan has a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of La Verne.

“POST is a remarkable organization. It plays such an important role in providing the best service and quality training to the law enforcement community. This job will certainly be challenging. What a great opportunity to apply what I’ve learned throughout my career,” Jan said.

POST FINALIZES THE EVIDENCE AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT GUIDE AND ITS COMPANION DOCUMENTS

The newest version of the POST Evidence and Property Management Guide will be available on the POST Website in mid-July 2013. This updated document, divided into 40 guidelines based on national best practices, will assist agencies in the management of their evidence and property function.

Two companion documents, the POST Evidence and Property Management Study, used by POST as an evaluative report on an agency’s evidence and property function, and the POST Evidence and Property Function Self-Evaluation Guide, completed by agencies as part of an evidence and property function review, are also being revised to be in use by August 2013.

INVESTIGATION TOOL MOBILE APP NOW ON GOOGLE PLAY

The “Investigation Tool” debuted at the 2013 ICI Detective Symposium is now available for free in Google Play, the main marketplace for distributing mobile apps targeting Android devices. The tool has also been submitted to Apple and is undergoing their review process before it can be released in the App Store and made available to officers using iOS devices.

The app breaks down the investigation process into five primary phases, each of which is then broken down into its major steps. Investigators can then access the suggested inputs/outputs, processes, and guidelines for each of the steps. The tool provides a good “mental model” of the investigation process. It not only helps new investigators get up-to-speed more quickly, but also is a practical resource for seasoned investigators for ideas they may not have thought of when working a case.

The tool can be found and installed by searching on “Investigation Tool” from within Google’s Play Store. Installation is free, but a POST Learning Portal user account is required to sign into the tool before it is available for use.

REQUALIFICATION COURSE PRESENTERS MEET WITH POST STAFF

The Requalification Course is designed to requalify basic training for individuals who have a three year or longer break from their last date of service as a peace officer or date of completion of the Regular Basic Course or the Specialized Investigators’ Basic Course. The course consists of a minimum of 136 hours of training and is delivered in both intensive and extended formats. Completion of the course also meets the testing requirement for the Basic Course Waiver process for peace officers from other states. Currently, the California Highway Patrol, Napa Valley College, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Rio Hondo College Regional Training Center, South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortium, Southwestern College, and State Center Regional Training Center are certified to present the course.

Once a year, POST invites the course coordinators to a two-day meeting to review course content, examine the specifics of their certifications, network, and exchange information on best practices. In May 2013, the coordinators met with POST staff, reviewed the course, and determined that the content meets current requirements. Staff and the coordinators also reviewed requalification requirements under the Three-Year Rule, course certification procedures, the basic course instructional delivery system, test security, the Basic Course Waiver process, and procedures for verifying that students have met the prerequisites to attend the course.

9TH ANNUAL ICI DETECTIVE TRAINING SYMPOSIUM DEBRIEFING HELD IN SAN DIEGO

On May 23, 2013, the Detective Training Symposium Planning Committee members met for a debriefing meeting of the 9th Annual Symposium held in Universal City from April 25-28. Approximately 650 detectives attended this Symposium making it the highest attended to date. Evaluations submitted by those in attendance commended the selection of training, the presenters, location, atmosphere, and symposium overall. Several exceptional suggestions for future trainers and topics were also provided and will be further explored for feasibility at the next symposium.

This meeting also served as a kick-off to begin planning for the 2014 Symposium which will be hosted by the Los Angeles Police Department in the Southern California area. Preliminary identification of plenary session and break-out session presenters has been made including consideration of past attendees’ recommendations; and sub-committee members will research additional training topics and contact potential presenters in the upcoming months. The Committee will meet again in late 2013 to finalize training details, and select the Symposium date and location for the 2014 offering.

POST EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ATTENDS THE "POLICE EDUCATION IN WHAT WORKS: FROM THE US TO THE UK"

As an invited guest of the University of Cambridge, England, and the University of Maryland, the Executive Director attended a two-day panel discussion in Washington D.C. entitled: "Police Education in What Works: From the US to the UK." The focus of the addressed topics pivoted on research that supports Evidence Based Policing efforts at both Universities. Presentations and panel discussions included:

• A Global Role for a "Royal" College of Policing? Education and Standards in What Works for England's New Era of Elected Police Commissioners.
• Do Body-Worn Video Cameras Improve Police Effectiveness? (Presented by Chief Tony Farrar, Rialto Police Department)
• Operational Access to Evidence of What Works: Street Officer Usage of the Evidence-Based Policing Matrix and its Implications for Police Education.
• What Can the Police Do to Facilitate Desistance from Crime?
• Practitioner-Led Experiments in Policing: Can Low-Cost Tests be High Quality?
• Next Steps: Who Should Do What to Apply Growing Knowledge on Policing?
   

SOVEREIGN CITIZEN EXTREMIST VIDEO TRAINING PROGRAM

The latest addition to the Homeland Security Suite within the POST Learning Portal is “Sovereign Citizen Extremists." POST initially identified the Sovereign Citizen ideology and the precursors/indicators to identify these extremists in the 2009 Telecourse “Domestic Terrorism Update."

Sovereign Citizens ideology reached national awareness in 2010 with the execution of two West Memphis, Arkansas officers by a father and son identified as “Sovereigns." The POST “Sovereign Citizen Extremists” video training course focuses directly on the mindset, language, and activities of “Sovereigns” to provide officers insight on the dangers they may encounter.

Retired Chief of Police Robert Paudert, whose son was one of the murdered officers, provides this introduction to “Sovereign Citizen Extremists” - “You need to watch this video, it will save your life."

This video training course is dedicated to the memory of Kenneth L. Whitman, persistent and untiring champion of the Homeland Security Training Program.

June 2013

AND THE EMMY GOES TO…

On June 15, 2013, before a large audience convened in Las Vegas for the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences awards ceremony, the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) and Digital OutPost (DOP), who provides video production services for POST, received an Emmy award for the “Did You Know Video - 10-97.”

Assistant Executive Director Jan Bullard, along with Terry Barnum and Raegan Matthews-Roesink from DOP, accepted the award given in the Community/Public Service (PSAs) category on behalf of the Commission on POST.

The “Did You Know” series was created by POST in 2010 to feature important safety or informational messages in a quick and dynamic way. “Did You Know - 10-97” reminds officers that speed is one of five factors that can cause career-ending injury or fatalities for law enforcement officers or members of the communities they serve.

While POST has accrued a respectable collection of awards for video production in the past, “10-97” is POST’s first Emmy. Several POST productions have been nominated before by NATAS including: “Did You Know – Choices,” “Did You Know – Fatigue," and "Preventing Law Enforcement Suicide.”

Congratulations to the staff of Learning Technology Resources Bureau and Digital OutPost for this significant accomplishment and national recognition.

POST PARTICIPATES ON THE UCD REVIEW COMMITTEE ON POST-INCIDENT REFORMS

The University of California, Davis (UCD) established the Review Committee on Post-Incident Reforms to engage in a rigorous and independent evaluation of the University’s progress on recommendations issued in the wake of the November 18, 2011, pepper spray incident. The Committee was convened in December 2012 and included representatives from staff, faculty, and student body, as well as several elected officials from the region. POST was asked to participate and serve on the Committee as the “voice of law enforcement”.

The Committee reviewed the progress made on over 100 recommendations previously made to improve the quality of campus operations and its ability to respond effectively, efficiently, and appropriately to campus events. The Committee examined numerous documents and heard from University staff and faculty who are knowledgeable about specific assignments related to ongoing recommendations and reforms.

The Committee submitted its final report to UCD Chancellor Linda Katehi in June 2013. The report provided a comprehensive analysis of the University’s progress to date by identifying those areas where the University has met or exceeded the goals of specific recommendations, and those areas that still require additional improvement or organizational change.

POST HOSTS A WORKSHOP TO UPDATE THE INVESTIGATION AND TRIAL PREPARATION COURSE

District Attorney Investigators are required to complete the Regular Basic Course before being assigned duties which include the exercise of peace officer powers. Additionally, Commission regulations require the completion of a POST-certified Investigation and Trial Preparation Course within 12 months from the date of appointment. This is an 80-hour course that provides training specific to the duties of a district attorney investigator.

In February 2013, staff conducted a meeting with a group of district attorney chief investigators to review the status of the course. Based on the input from the chief investigators, it was agreed that an update was needed and identified a committee of subject matter experts (SMEs) to review the content. It was also determined that the current presenter was meeting their training needs.

Staff conducted course revision workshops in March and June. A total of eight SMEs from Contra Costa, Los Angeles, Napa, Placer, Riverside, and Sacramento counties participated in the workshops. The committee made recommendations to update the current course content to reflect current laws and new investigative resources. The proposed revisions include stakeholder input and reflect advances in technology, including crime scene reconstruction, social media, investigative resources, and legal updates. The length of the course was not changed.

The proposed revisions to the course will be submitted to the Commission for review at the October 2013 meeting.

NEW “DID YOU KNOW” FOCUSES ON DISPATCHER STRESS

POST released a new “Did You Know” video highlighting the very important topic of dispatcher stress. The topic was recommended by the Public Safety Dispatcher Advisory Council and several members of the Council were key in its development.

This highly emotional video demonstrates that dispatchers are just as vulnerable to Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome as those on scene. It reminds dispatchers to heed the warning signs of stress and seek help when needed. At the conclusion of the video, viewers can link to a PowerPoint that provides more information on how to recognize and deal with stress.

While the “Did You Know” videos are usually 60-90-second spots, this “Did You Know” delivers its impactful message in about 5 minutes.

To view the “Dispatcher Stress” video, log onto the POST Learning Portal and click on the “Did You Know” category.

COURSE QUALITY ASSESSMENT PROGRAM

During June, staff conducted training related to the Course Quality Assessment Program (CQAP). The training took place in Burbank and involved 23 experienced instructors from throughout the state. They received 12 hours of instruction in course evaluation methodology, including ways to effectively use a rubric to objectively review a course and instructor(s) performance. They also learned how to properly document the assessment narrative and effective ways to interact with the presenters and instructors while performing the evaluation.

Fourteen students in the class were POST Master Instructors. The Master Instructors were able to assist by coaching other students in the class, which resulted in an entire class of high-performing students. Each student wrote two complete narrative summaries of rubrics and turned them in to the facilitators. The quality of work and demonstrated abilities of the students was exceptional. It is anticipated that many of the students of this training will become part of the cadre of the CQAP and conduct future offsite assessments of POST-certified courses.

July 2013

PEACE OFFICER JOB ANALYSIS PROJECT CONTINUES

POST continues the effort of updating the entry-level peace officer job analysis. The completed job analysis will identify the tasks, skills, abilities, knowledge requirements, and traits that are critical to successful job performance as a peace officer. To date, POST staff has conducted 13 site visits of various law enforcement agencies throughout California to “shadow” and interview peace officers as they perform their daily duties.

Results of the job analysis will be used to support and validate the Basic Course and its tests, and help guide future POST projects.

FIRST “WHAT WERE THEY THINKING” VIDEO RELEASED

Have you ever heard a story about something law enforcement personnel have done and thought, “What were they thinking?” This new video series entitled, “What Where They Thinking?” consists of short cartoons starring officers Bummer and Doe Nut depicting these situations on a variety of topics. Humor is used to draw interest to sometimes serious training messages in a memorable way.

The first “What Were They Thinking?” was launched July 15, and highlights the importance of peace officers being aware of how they use social media websites. Stories or topics for additional cartoons will be solicited from Learning Portal users and the law enforcement community.

The “What Were They Thinking?” video can be viewed and downloaded on the Learning Portal under Hotsheets.

NEW LAW ENFORCEMENT CONSULTANT IN THE BASIC TRAINING BUREAU

POST welcomes Laurence (Lon) Ramlan as a Senior Law Enforcement Consultant in the Basic Training Bureau. Lon comes to POST following a 31-year career with the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) where he retired as a lieutenant. During his time with the SFPD, he served in many assignments including patrol, detective, and administration. Lon also served for several years as the coordinator and director of San Francisco’s police academy.

In his new position, Lon manages the Regular Basic Course – Modular Format and the PC 832 and Requalification Courses. In this capacity, he serves as the principal point of contact for training presenters and provides technical assistance. He also is responsible for the administration of the Reserve Peace Officer Program.

 POST CONDUCTS TRAINING ON PRE-EMPLOYMENT PSYCHOLOGICAL SCREENING OF PEACE OFFICERS

On July 16, 2013, POST staff Dr. Shelley Spilberg and Melani Singley conducted a two-hour presentation before an audience of approximately 50 psychologists who conduct pre-employment evaluations of peace officer candidates on behalf of the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). The presentation was part of a two-day bi-annual training program presented by the Psychological Screening Program of CalHR.

Their presentation, entitled “POST Peace Officer Psychological Screening,” provided information on relevant federal and state statutes and regulations, case law, and psychological screening practices nationwide. The presentation focused on Commission Regulation 1955: Peace Officer Psychological Evaluations, particularly the pending regulatory revision requiring peace officer screening psychologists to complete POST-approved continuing professional education.

August 2013

POST MEDICAL SCREENING MANUAL REVISIONS

A meeting was held in August to commence work on the revision to the Cardiovascular chapter of the POST Medical Screening Manual for California Law Enforcement. Meeting participants included POST Special Consultant Shelley Weiss Spilberg, Ph.D.; MED-TOX project director Gene Carmean; MED-TOX medical experts Dr. Leslie Israel and Dr. Richard Gerkin; and Dr. Robert Goldberg, Director of Occupational Health for Los Angeles County, who provides medical oversight.

The Cardiovascular chapter is the second of five sections that will be revised by MED-TOX. A final draft of the first chapter, covering the Respiratory system, is currently out for review by selected pulmonary specialists, and is expected to be published in October. The remaining three chapters will cover the Hematology, Vision, and Musculoskeletal systems.

SHERMAN BLOCK SUPERVISORY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE FACILITATOR’S WORKSHOP CONDUCTED

The Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SBSLI) Facilitators met August 1-3, 2013, for the fall workshop. The intensive 24-hour agenda included a review of the book, "Lead by Greatness" by David Lapin. Participants were asked to review the Leadership Fingerprint. The Leadership Fingerprint is a part of the Lead by Greatness presentation received from members of the Lapin International Group. The SBSLI Facilitators opted not to consider incorporating the model at this time.

There was a required pre-reading of the article from the Journal of Authentic Leadership Education, March 2013, titled "Leadership Thinking: a Discipline of the Mind for the Effective Law Enforcement Supervisor" by Kendall Zoller, Anthony H. Normore, and Bob Harrison. Review and discussion of the elements of the article were conducted in order to develop possible integration into the SBSLI curriculum.

The participants also reviewed the Penn State report of the special investigative counsel regarding the actions of the Pennsylvania State University related to the child sexual abuse committed by Gerald A. Sandusky. They discussed the actions taken by the Penn State attorney, public safety officials, janitors, school administration, Board of Trustees, Paterno, and McQuery. The discussion involved consideration of the potential integration of the event into the SBSLI curriculum and the Adaptive Leadership model.

The participants reviewed two movies in order to measure their potential use in the SBSLI program. "Lincoln" - a 2012 movie based in part of Doris Kearns Goodwin’s novel, "Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln." The movie covers the final four months of Lincoln’s life and his efforts, challenges, and dilemmas faced in getting the 13th Amendment passed as law into the Constitution of the United States.

The second movie reviewed was "Conspiracy." On January 20, 1942, 15 German Nazi officials attended a conference at Wannsee, outside of Berlin. The purpose was to address the issue of Hitler’s challenges to accomplishing his dream of Aryan supremacy. The conference resulted in the development of the “Final Solution of the Jewish Question” and determined the fate of six million Jewish lives that changed the shape of the world. A dialogue was developed around the concepts of how the drama could be used to reinforce the understanding of the concepts in Session 6 at the Museum of Tolerance (MOT) that support the students’ experience.

The next SBSLI Facilitators workshop is scheduled for May 2014.

REGIONAL SKILLS TRAINING CENTERS ACQUIRE NEW FORCE OPTIONS SIMULATORS

The Regional Skills Training Centers (RSTC) statewide will be receiving new Force Option Simulators to reinvigorate the simulator training programs. Following a year of evaluating the program needs, drafting exacting specifications to meet the program needs and a protracted bid process, IES Interactive Training in Ann Arbor, Michigan, was awarded the contract to provide 24 fixed installations and six portable Law Enforcement Force Option Training Simulator Systems to the RSTC program. The award specifies a five-year all inclusive warranty on all hardware and software, system-wide updates when required, and instructor training. The award additionally included a pre-award demonstration of the proposed systems to validate the equipment meets all the requirements identified in the solicitation package.

POST staff required the pre-award demonstration of the proposed systems to be at an existing law enforcement agency, and outside of the manufacturers “perfect” and controlled environment. IES agreed and the demonstration was ultimately scheduled at the Ventura Sheriff’s training facility. Attending the pre-award demonstration were POST staff and the subject matter experts involved in the drafting of the solicitation. IES successfully demonstrated both the permanently installed (fixed) system and a portable system. POST staff recommended approval of the award.

The new Force Options systems are slated for delivery beginning in September and should be fully deployed during December 2013. The delivery, installation, and setup of the equipment will take one day, followed by a full day of train-the-trainer instruction for the RSTC site instructors.

ANNUAL RESERVE PEACE OFFICERS CONFERENCE

The California Reserve Peace Officers' Association (CRPOA) held its annual training conference in San Jose on August 21-24, 2013. Over 300 reserve officers and coordinators in attendance selected from 22 POST-certified training courses on topics including building searches, understanding street gangs, identity theft, crimes against children, search and seizure, and officer safety. Continuing Professional Training credit was granted for attendance at these classes.

Bureau Chief Frank Decker gave the welcoming address to open the conference and responded to a series of questions submitted by CRPOA members. On August 22, Bureau Chief Decker and senior consultants Lon Ramlan and Mike Barnes presented an eight-hour Reserve Coordinator Introduction class for newer reserve coordinators followed the next day by a four-hour Reserve Coordinator Update class for experienced coordinators. Nearly 50 attendees participated in the two classes which provided information and discussion on reserve training, reserve levels, selection standards, training requirements, and recruitment.

POST HOSTS INAUGURAL RESEARCH ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING

In August 2013, POST hosted the first meeting of the Research Advisory Council (RAC). Comprised of representatives from POST’s stakeholder groups, the RAC is an advisory body formed in support of the Commission’s direction to conduct and use research to identify best practices in support of the field.

The mission of the RAC is to create and implement a research agenda and to solicit and review research proposals. Authorized research will primarily be conducted using research fellows and graduate students from California-based public colleges and universities.

The inaugural meeting included a review of the mission of RAC, creation of broad-based research topics/areas of concentration for further consideration, and suggested research requirements, preferences, and selection standards related to future POST Calls for Proposals. The next RAC meeting will be held in January 2014.

PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER 2013 SYMPOSIUM

POST staff met this month with subject matter experts (SMEs) in the field of symposium planning. The purpose of the meeting was to begin the process for planning a Public Safety Dispatcher symposium, to be delivered in 2014. The SMEs were senior staff members from San Diego Regional Training Center who have delivered the highly successful Instructor Symposium for several years. A plan of action was developed with some clear objectives for planning and delivering the first of what will likely become many years of successful Public Safety Dispatcher annual symposiums.

September 2013

NEW ELECTRONIC WORKBOOK FORMAT FOR LEARNING DOMAIN 19, VEHICLE OPERATIONS

In August 2013, the Basic Training Bureau (BTB) and the Computer Services Bureau (CSB) completed a fully-functional, proof-of-concept version of an iPad-based digital workbook (“e-Workbook”) for Learning Domain 19, Vehicle Operations. The workbook is being distributed to several volunteer academies to participate in testing in order to:

• Validate that end users find the e-Workbook to be more convenient and of higher educational value than the current paper-based workbook,
• Verify that the e-Workbook functions acceptably, and
• Identify any design and development modifications that will result in a more successful product.

BTB and CSB are planning to convert the remainder of the Regular Basic Course Student Workbooks material into the new electronic format. Following conversion, the new e-Workbooks will be made available for use by academy staff and students.

FIELD MANAGEMENT TRAINING PROGRAM

Local agencies sometimes encounter administrative, management, or operational problems or projects for which no formal training is available. Through the Field Management Training Program, POST provides financial assistance for local agency personnel to visit sites within California and observe outstanding programs or receive on-the-job training. Information gathered during these visits is developed into a report. These reports are maintained at POST and are shared with agencies facing similar challenges.

Commission Procedure D-9 (POST Administrative Manual) contains information about the Field Management Training Program.

INSTRUCTOR STANDARDS ADVISORY COUNCIL HOLDS A SEMI-ANNUAL MEETING

The Instructor Standards Advisory Council (ISAC) held their semi-annual meeting during September in San Diego. The purpose of this council is to review and make recommendations to POST staff regarding regulation and/or standards for law enforcement instruction. Discussions during this session covered such topics as the history and goal of ISAC, proposed changes to course certification regulation, and the Instructor Development Institute (IDI) level-1 Academy Instructor Certification Course requirements for tri-ennial recertification.

POST STAFF PRESENTS AT CALIFORNIA CLETS USER GROUP CONFERENCE

At the request of the California CLETS User Group (CCUG), POST staff presented at the CCUG conference on September 10-12, in Ontario. CCUG executive staff asked for a presentation on the four levels of the Instructor Development Institute (IDI). POST staff members presented two separate, two-hour blocks of student-centered active learning to over 150 attendees on how the IDI can help mold good instructors into great instructors. Several attendees stayed after the end of the presentation to inquire about how to register themselves and their staff in the IDI course.

"RESPONDING TO ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES" INSTRUCTORS WORKSHOP HELD

The California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal EPA) was the authority under Penal Code Section 14314(a) to transfer funds to POST for the purpose of advancing environmental enforcement training for local and state peace officers. POST has utilized these funds in the past to develop a variety of environmental crimes-related training opportunities, including:

• “Responding to Environmental Crimes” an 8-hour course designed for law enforcement first responders,
• “Environmental Crimes Investigations Overview” a self-paced POST Learning Portal course providing two hours of Continued Professional Training credit, and
• “Enforcement of Environmental Laws,” a 95-minute Telecourse DVD.

In September, instructors for the “Responding to Environmental Crimes” course attended a curriculum review workshop in Sacramento. They reviewed content of the course (taught over the past two years), revised curriculum and structure where needed, and sought consistency among the teams of instructors.

The “Responding to Environmental Crimes” course is intended to develop fundamental skills for law enforcement to safely respond to and identify an environmental crime, initiate the investigative process, and coordinate with all necessary agencies. Various environmental crime situations are discussed and clearly defined in the class. Legal concerns and statutes are identified along with recommended reporting procedures. The course is presented by experts from various disciplines assigned to environmental crimes investigation and prosecution.

STATE TACTICAL EMS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETS

The State Tactical Emergency Medical Support (EMS) Advisory Committee held its inaugural meeting in September to advise the Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) on Tactical EMS issues. The meeting was chaired by Dan Smiley, Chief Deputy Director, California EMSA.

The committee was named the “Whitman Committee” in memory of Special Consultant Ken Whitman for his pioneering work to advance Tactical EMS for law enforcement and personnel who provide emergency medical care in that environment. Ken, who passed away on October 12, 2012, was honored for his dedicated leadership as Project Manager in the development and publication of the POST Tactical Medicine Operational Programs and Standardized Training Recommendations published in collaboration with EMSA.

POST staff, EMSA, representatives from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, CalOES, State Fire Marshal, and physicians and private emergency medical care providers attended the meeting. POST staff gave a briefing on the guideline manual for Tactical Medicine Operational Programs and Standardized Training Recommendations and Regulation 1084 as it relates to standardized training recommendations for tactical medicine courses.

The agenda also included presentations and discussions on the status of tactical EMS in California, tactical EMS levels, SWAT tactical medics, hemostatic dressings, tactical casualty care, and operational integration of EMS during Active Shooter incidents. The group also received updates on the National TEMS Initiative and Council, potential revisions to CCR, Title 22 for first responders, and summary reports by the Northern California and Southern California Tactical EMS Groups.

One of the goals of the “Whitman Committee” is to provide an opportunity for dialogue on the issue of tactical EMS, training standards for tactical emergency care, information sharing, collaboration, and discussion of best practices. The next meeting is scheduled for January 16, 2014.

UPDATE ON THE POST CAREER PIPELINE CONCEPT

The POST Center for Leadership Development continues to share the POST Career Pipeline Concept with California Law Enforcement through the Chief Executive Workshops, offered annually to the county chiefs and sheriffs organizations. The POST Career Pipeline Concept was created to address a POST Strategic Plan Objective related to the continuing recruitment challenges experienced by many law enforcement agencies. The project task group noticed that many agencies are seeing a 90% failure rate among peace officer applicants.

The Solano County Chiefs and Sheriff Association adopted the Career Pipeline Concept and began the development of their own school-based public safety program. Spearheaded by the chiefs of police of Fairfield (Walt Tibbet) and Suisun (Ed Dadisho) police departments, they worked with POST staff and then enlisted the collaboration of their local school district superintendent. This collaboration led to the development of the Fairfield-Suisun Unified Public Safety Academy (PSA). The PSA opened August 2012 on a dedicated school campus and is an “Alternative School of Choice” for approximately 400 students for grades 5 through 8. Upon completion of their first year of operation, the school received one of the highest Annual Performance Index (API) scores in the State of California, achieving a 940 score out of a 1,000 maximum. An 800 API score is considered a gold standard and achieving a 940 score in their first year of operation distinguishes them as an exceptional program and a great model for other law enforcement agencies to replicate. The Fairfield-Suisun PSA began their second year of operation in August with 500 students and has expanded its program to 9th grade. The program will eventually expand to 12th grade.

POST staff is hopeful that other chief law enforcement executives will review the Fairfield-Suisun model and be motivated to develop their own programs to assist in "growing their own" qualified candidate pools to reduce the high applicant failure rate. POST staff will be hosting a POST Special Seminar on Wednesday, November 13, 2013, to review the first year results of the Fairfield-Suisun School District's Public Safety Academy (PSA) and share attributes of other Career Pipeline models (Los Angeles PD, San Bernardino PSA, and Anaheim PD). The seminar will be hosted at the Fairfield-Suisun PSA (230 Atlantic Avenue, Fairfield, California) and will feature how these programs are developed and how other agencies can replicate these school-based models, to not only benefit the local law enforcement agency, but also impact the local community in a positive manner. Michael Josephson, the creator of Character Counts, will also be presenting at this seminar.

POST HOSTS POLICE TRAINING OFFICER (PTO) COUNCIL MEETING

POST hosted a two-day meeting during September 2013 with the Police Training Officer (PTO) Council. The PTO is a Commission-approved Problem Based Learning (PBL) format for field training currently used by six agencies. The program was approved following a lengthy developmental process and pilot testing. The PTO Council consists of subject matter experts and training presenters and is intended to provide support for the program. All current PTO agencies and training presenters were invited to attend. The attendees represented the Capitola Police Department, Folsom Police Department, Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortium, and Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety.

The council members met with POST staff to discuss program training needs. Significant points of discussion included:

• Maintaining excellence in training standards,
• Trainee Journaling,
• Maintaining program consistency across agencies,
• PTO Update Course certification needs, and
• Upcoming training sessions.

The next council meeting is scheduled to take place in northern California in February 2014.

CPE TRACKING SYSTEM FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATORS IS LAUNCHED

The continuing professional education (CPE) requirement for peace officer psychological evaluators went into effect September 1, 2013 (see Bulletin 2013-12 (pdf)). The POST Continuing Professional Education Tracking System (CPETS) is now online to assist with the implementation of this new requirement. CPETS allows evaluators to submit profile and course completion information through the POST Website. Training providers–or others–may also use the system to submit courses for POST approval.

Complementing the submission of evaluator and course information, CPETS also provides a list of psychological evaluators and POST-approved CPE courses. At its initiation, there were 45 courses listed in the system. This list, as well as the list of psychological evaluators, will continue to expand as evaluators and course providers submit their respective information.

POST LIBRARY MAKES MOBILE SEARCH EASY

POST Staff has made mobile searching from the POST Library online catalog easy. Visitors to the POST Library catalog page will see the QR code for the mobile site on the right side of the screen.

To access mobile search, visitors can simply hold their phone in front of the QR code and scan it with a free QR code scanner application. The mobile catalog will appear on the smart phone browser and will be bookmarked automatically. To find new books and e-books in the POST Library, just click on “new titles” on the left navigation bar of the online catalog page.

October 2013

POST ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF A NEW ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Please welcome Stephanie Scofield, POST’s newest Assistant Executive Director.

Stephanie joined POST in 2008 as a Law Enforcement Consultant after serving for 14 years in California law enforcement. She began in the Management Counseling Services Bureau where she conducted organizational studies of California law enforcement agencies. She was then transferred to the Basic Training Bureau where she managed the state’s Reserve Peace Officer Program, the Modular Format Program, and the PC 832 Program. She then served in the Training Delivery and Compliance Bureau as the Region 10 Area Consultant for Orange, San Diego, and Imperial counties.

Stephanie was promoted to Bureau Chief of the Standards, Evaluation, and Research Bureau in 2011. In 2012, she served as the Bureau Chief of the Training Delivery and Compliance Bureau. Stephanie's new roll oversees the Administrative Services Division.

Stephanie's law enforcement experience includes two years with the Orange County Sheriff's Department and 12 years with the Pleasanton Police Department. She held a variety of assignments, including Canine Officer, Field Training Officer, and Detective. As a Sergeant, she was a Patrol Supervisor, Field Training Program Supervisor, and the Administrative Sergeant. Stephanie holds a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Fullerton.

Stephanie commented upon her promotion, “I’m honored to have this opportunity within such a remarkable organization. We have an amazing law enforcement community here in California. I’m looking forward to serving in this new capacity and working collaboratively to maintain the highest standards for the selection and training of California peace officers and public safety dispatchers."

POST STAFF ATTENDS FAIR AND IMPARTIAL POLICING TRAINING

The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, U.S. Department of Justice, supported the development of two training programs based on the Fair and Impartial Policing perspective – one for recruits/patrol officers, and one for first-line supervisors. POST staff was invited to participate in the Training of Trainers in Richmond on October 14-16, 2013. It was hosted by the University of California, Berkeley Police Department.

The Fair and Impartial Policing training program applies modern scientific research regarding bias to police training with the goals of making officers and supervisors more effective at solving crimes, staying safe, and enhancing trust with the citizens they serve. It trains officers and supervisors on the effect of unconscious bias and gives them information and skills they need to reduce and manage their own biases. The curricula address a variety of potential biases including, but not limited to, race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, socio-economic status, and age.

A high level of enthusiasm and professionalism existed among the instructors and was mirrored by the student response and participation throughout the course. POST will evaluate the value of this training in POST-certified courses.

MEDIABYTES MOBILE APP NOW IN APPLE APP STORE AND GOOGLE PLAY

MediaBytes, the latest app developed by POST, provides California law enforcement easy access to short videos from the POST Learning Portal.

MediaBytes is available in both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. The app can be found by searching for “Mediabytes” within each store. Installation is free; a POST Learning Portal (lp.post.ca.gov) user account is not required to use the app, but is needed to unlock certain videos.

LATEST TOOL HELPS AGENCIES PREPARE FOR THE NEXT BIG DISASTER

POST is pleased to announce the newest performance support tool for California law enforcement was released on the Learning Portal in September 2013.

The Incident Preparedness Assessment Tool (IPAT) enables command-level staff to assess their agency's preparedness to deal with all hazardous incidents as well as special events. Questions regarding mitigation, planning, response, recovery, and relationships identify any gaps in an agency’s readiness. Corrective action items can be delegated to staff and monitored for completion. To date, 204 California law enforcement agencies have accessed the IPAT.

During October 2013, POST staff demonstrated the tool’s capabilities to the State Threat Assessment System Training Coordination Group and to the Central California Terrorism Liaison Officer Coordinators at their training meeting.

 

POST PRESENTS BCCR EVALUATOR COURSE

In October 2013, the POST Basic Training Bureau presented a course for future Skills Evaluators on the Basic Course Certification Review (BCCR). A BCCR is conducted on each basic academy presenter every three years for the purpose of ensuring the quality, integrity, and safety of entry-level peace officer training in California, and is an important component for ensuring academy graduates are well-equipped to meet the challenges they will face during their careers.

The BCCR consists of on-site peer reviews by Subject Matter Expert Skills Evaluators from neighboring California academies, followed by a detailed inspection by POST staff. The Skills Evaluators are selected based on their proven level of expertise, not only in their specialty area, but as law enforcement trainers. The Skills Evaluators specialize in the following areas: Arrest Methods/Defensive Tactics, Firearms/Chemical Agents, Vehicle Operations, Lifetime Fitness, and Scenario Training/Testing. Evaluators must be qualified for their area of expertise according to Commission Regulation 1070; or in the case of scenarios, must be a qualified Scenario Manager.

All participants must also complete the BCCR Evaluator Course and be recommended by their host agency. The Basic Training Bureau looks forward to the collaborative peer-review process this latest class of Skills Evaluators will bring to California’s academy community.

POST STAFF PRESENTS AT THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE ANNUAL CONFERENCE

“Advances in Increasing the Professionalism of Police and Public Safety Psychology: A New Era of Recognition and Responsibility” was the title of a presentation made by POST Supervising Personnel Selection Consultant Shelley Weiss Spilberg, Ph.D., and consulting psychologist David Corey, Ph.D., at the annual conference of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In their presentation for the IACP’s Police Psychological Services Section, Drs. Spilberg and Corey discussed recent advances in the recognition of police and public safety psychology as a separate specialty, and relatedly, recent changes to POST Peace Officer Psychological Screening regulations requiring screening psychologists to devote a portion of their mandated continuing education hours to courses relevant to this specialized function.

Dr. Spilberg made a second presentation to the annual Johnson, Roberts and Associates pre-conference workshop, attended by more than 35 psychologists from across the country. She also provided an update on legal issues and recent POST efforts impacting pre-employment psychological assessment.

PC 832 COURSE PRESENTERS WORKSHOP

During October 2013, the POST Basic Training Bureau presented a two-day workshop for PC 832 course presenters and coordinators. The workshop reviewed POST statutory and regulatory requirements, including case studies of problem programs and examples of best practices. A detailed presentation of online program resources was presented for coordinators and trainers as self-help tools. The attendees participated in facilitated discussions of field issues and remedies, including a question-and-answer segment with members of the Standards, Evaluation, and Research Bureau regarding proctoring the Testing Management and Assessment System, the Flash Boot Drive, and the Electronic Data Interchange. The workshop focused on peer networking and sharing in collaboration with POST personnel. A draft document of a self-assessment checklist was presented for review, comment, and feedback.

Successful completion of the training specified in Penal Code section 832(a) is required before an individual can exercise the powers of a peace officer. The PC 832 course consists of two components: the 40-hour Arrest course and the 24-hour Firearms course. Each component may be presented as a separate course, or they may be delivered as a combined course. Peace officers who are not authorized to carry firearms are only required to complete the arrest component. The PC 832 training requirement may also be met by completion of the Regular Basic Course – Standard Format, Module III of the Modular Format, or the Specialized Investigators’ Basic Course.

POST ENTRY-LEVEL DISPATCHER SELECTION TEST BATTERY TEST SERVICES RESUME

In April 2013, POST’s longstanding contract with CPS HR Consulting Service was suspended. Resumption of services occurred during October with the following new testing procedures: 1) test requests must be submitted to testorders@post.ca.gov at least 15 business days prior to the scheduled test administration date; and 2) test materials will be emailed directly to the agency. Reproduction of the documents will be outlined in the Proctor Instructions. CDs and Scantron forms will be mailed to the agency by POST staff. After the test administration, the agency will be responsible for shredding all printed test booklets and returning the CDs, used/unused Scantron forms, and candidate agreement forms. Proctor training is still required and is available through CPS. Any agency in need of proctor training should contact CPS directly at (916) 471-3516. When ordering tests, the following information must be included in the email:

1. Type of test requested
2. Date of test
3. Name of agency
4. Name of person requesting test
5. Phone number
6. Email address
7. Shipping address
8. Number of applicants/test booklets needed
9. Name of proctor(s)

MASTER INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION COURSE HELD VALIDATION WORKSHOP

The Master Instructor Certification Course (MICC) held the final validation for students in MICC Class #7. Students attended this final workshop in San Diego where they presented their completed total training packages for 24-hour courses that each student researched and created. Students presented their written work and then demonstrated the work in a one-hour active, student-centered training delivery format. Each presentation was critiqued by a panel of POST staff and/or Master Instructor graduates and was graded according to a rubric.

POST extends its congratulations to Class #7 Master Instructor graduates!

POST CONTINUES UPDATE OF THE DISPATCHER SELECTION TEST BATTERY

The project to update the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery continues. In October, a meeting with subject matter experts (SMEs) was held in San Diego. Dispatcher guidelines and specifications were reviewed to ensure current test items are relevant to the job of a dispatcher. The SMEs also began work constructing alternative audio portions of the existing exam. POST extended invitations for this workshop to communication center managers/supervisors, dispatcher trainers, dispatchers (new and experienced), and other personnel who have been actively involved in the recruitment, selection, retention, training, and career development of public safety dispatchers.

The next workshop will focus on creating new test items for the test battery.

November 2013

UPDATE OF THE EVIDENCE AND PROPERTY ROOM MANAGEMENT COURSE

Staff and subject-matter experts are working to revise the current 24-hour Evidence and Property Room Management Course, in order to maintain congruence with the guidelines and national best practices described in the POST Evidence and Property Management Guide (2013).

This course has been developed for evidence/property managers and technicians, and for law enforcement supervisors and managers overseeing evidence and property functions. The course is designed to educate trainees on best practices regarding the evidence and property function, specifically in the areas of organization, documentation, security, storage and handling, audits/inventories/inspections, and disposition/purging. Understanding the rationale behind the establishment of the POST guidelines can aid the students in effectively managing evidence and property functions, and reduce the chances for liability to their respective agencies.

POST conducted a four-day workshop for the revision in October 2013, and is concluding with a four-day workshop in November 2013. The update of the course is expected to be completed by January 2014.

DEVELOPMENT OF ENTRY-LEVEL DISPATCHER SELECTION TEST BATTERY ONLINE PROCTOR TRAINING

In November, staff met with Digital Outpost, a contracted vendor, and subject-matter experts to review initial concepts to automate proctor training. This training will be required for anyone with access to the Entry-Level Dispatcher test battery.

The development of online proctor training will protect POST’s substantial investment in testing by providing user agencies with up-to-date information on how POST’s exams must be handled, stored, and used. It also will allow cost savings to the field, prevent test security breaches, and ensure standardized treatment of candidates throughout the state.

The Administrative Progress 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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