MEETING DATE
6/25/2015 |
BUREAU SUBMITTING THIS REPORT
Basic Training Bureau |
RESEARCHED BY (PRINT NAME)
Scott Loggins |
REVIEWED BY (PRINT NAME)
Alan Deal |
REPORT DATE
05/15/2015 |
APPROVED BY
Robert A. Stresak |
DATE APPROVED
06/03/15 |
PURPOSE
Information Only |
FINANCIAL IMPACT
No
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| ISSUE: |
| This is an informational report on changes to and consolidation of basic training content in the areas of Unusual Occurrences (LD26), Hazardous Materials Awareness (LD 41), and Emergency Management (LD 43). |
| BACKGROUND: |
The Regular Basic Course (RBC) is the entry-level training requirement for many California peace officers, with a minimum training and testing requirement of 664 hours. The RBC prepares peace officer trainees mentally, morally, emotionally, and physically to enter and successfully complete the Field Training Program (FTP). The training and testing in the RBC ensures that graduates demonstrate character, knowledge, problem-solving ability, human relations, communication, and physical skills necessary to meet the professional standards required of a peace officer. The RBC curriculum is divided into 42 individual topics, called Learning Domains (LD’s). The LD’s contain the minimum required content for each subject, as described in the Training and Testing Specifications (TTS) for Peace Officer Basic Courses. POST develops and provides student workbooks to support and supplement the TTS as sources of information for trainees in the RBC. These workbooks introduce each topic and contain self-assessment questions, chapter objectives, workbook learning activities, terminology and definitions. Staff regularly reviews the curriculum to assess relevancy, and to ensure it remains contemporary.
A review of existing training material revealed POST had an opportunity to consolidate the content of three LD’s, while also increasing the efficiency of curriculum delivery, ensuring continuity in the presentation of these topics and elimination of unnecessary redundancy.
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| ANALYSIS: |
The content of the RBC LD’s is developed by Subject Matter Experts (SME’s) to address specific needs involving community, technology, legislation, case law, and/or emerging trends. An example of this is the increased emphasis on Homeland Security and terrorism awareness after the events of 9-11 in 2001. Contemporary basic training curriculum is essential in order to ensure trainees are prepared to meet the challenges of 21st century law enforcement. Curriculum update workshops are facilitated regularly by staff of the Basic Training Bureau (BTB), and SME’s to ensure that the TTS and student workbooks are accurate, contemporary and address legislative training mandates. Staff also analyzes curriculum delivery to determine if a more effective and meaningful presentation methods could be used to create the best possible learning environment for students.
Unusual Occurrences (LD 26), Hazardous Materials Awareness (LD 41), and Emergency Management (LD 43) were independently developed. Further, each of these LDs address legislatively mandated curriculum. During an analysis of the content of these three LD’s, staff and SME’s determined that there was a considerable amount of overlap and unnecessary redundancy. In order to thoroughly examine the content of the three domains and assess the viability of combining them, BTB and Training Program Services Bureau (TPS) staff collaborated to use funds to complete the task.
Staff contracted with an experienced facilitator who worked with a group of SME’s knowledgeable regarding the above-mentioned subject areas. During the course of two meetings, the group was able to rearrange and consolidate much of the content of these LDs. The group recommended that the three domains be consolidated into two, yet to be determined domains. This endeavor included modifying the TTS and the respective student workbooks.
The project eliminated unnecessary redundancy, which will likely result in a minor reduction in the time required to present the revised training. This may provide POST flexibility to address the addition of future training without necessarily increasing the overall length of basic training. The consolidation process is still in progress as staff continues to analyze the findings of the group. It is anticipated that changes in curriculum will be presented to the Commission at its October 2015 meeting. |
| RECOMMENDATION: |
This report is presented for information only. No action is required. |
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