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AGENDA ITEM REPORT

Title: Report on Proposed Changes to the Training and Testing Specifications for Peace Officer Basic Courses
REPORT PROFILE
MEETING DATE
2/28/2013		 BUREAU SUBMITTING THIS REPORT
Basic Training Bureau
RESEARCHED BY (PRINT NAME)
Cheryl Smith		 REVIEWED BY (PRINT NAME)
Frank Decker
REPORT DATE
01/03/2013		 APPROVED BY
Robert A. Stresak		 DATE APPROVED
02/07/13
PURPOSE
Decision Requested		 FINANCIAL IMPACT
No

ISSUE:
Should the Commission approve, subject to the Notice of Proposed Regulatory Action process, the proposed Training and Testing Specifications for Peace Officer Basic Courses, as enumerated in this report?
BACKGROUND:
As part of an ongoing review of the Regular Basic Course content, POST staff and curriculum consultants review Learning Domain content to determine currency and job task relevancy. This process is facilitated by POST and attended by subject matter experts, academy directors, and coordinators. Some of the more significant outcomes of these workshops are recommendations for updating and enhancing the basic courses. The recommendations are reviewed by the Consortium Advisory Committee, and presented to the Consortium for consideration.

The changes in Learning Domain 19 are the result of the Commission directive to review vehicle operations training in the Regular Basic Course.  This led to the development of an academy-based pilot program which incorporated four components:  Driving Simulators (LEDS), a speed component, night driving and the use of interference vehicles. 
ANALYSIS:

The proposed changes affect the following Learning Domains (see Attachment A):

  • Minimum Content and Hourly Requirements Regular Basic Course (RBC) Modular Format - Module I
  • Minimum Content and Hourly Requirements Regular Basic Course (RBC) Standard Format
  • LD 18, Investigative Report Writing
  • LD 19, Vehicle Operations
  • LD 25, Domestic Violence
  • LD 32, Lifetime Fitness
  • LD 34, First Aid and CPR
  • LD 35, Firearms/Chemical Agents 

Staff recommends that the Commission approve the changes as described in the staff report (see Attachment B). If no one requests a public hearing, the changes will become effective August 1, 2013.

The results of the pilot study led to the incorporation of the four components into Learning Domain 19 and the development and validation of new assessment methodology. Some academy directors reported that with the implementation of the new training they might have challenges with facilities and/or equipment. During the course of the pilot, the participating academies encountered similar challenges but were able to overcome them. For the academies that did not participate in the pilot, additional time may be needed in order to implement these changes. Therefore, staff is recommending that a waiver process be authorized to allow academies, on a case-by-case basis, up to an additional six months after the proposed implementation date to meet the new standard.

Staff recommends that the Commission approve the waiver process to allow academies, on a case-by-case basis, up to an additional six months after the proposed implementation date to meet the new standard.

RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the revisions to the Training and Testing Specifications be amended pursuant to the rulemaking process and the Office of Administrative Law. If no one requests a public hearing, the amendments would become effective August 1, 2013.

Staff also recommends that the waiver process be approved to allow academies, on a case-by-case basis, up to an additional six months after the proposed date to implement the new Learning Domain 19 standards.
 
ATTACHMENT(S):
Name: Type:
Attachment_A_-_Proposed_Changes_to_the_LDs.pdf Backup Material
Attachment_B_-_Legend_of_Recommendations.pdf Backup Material