Should the Commission authorize the Executive Director to enter into a contract with a qualifying entity for the Course Quality Assessment Program (QAP), in an amount not to exceed $753,516?

POST Strategic Plan (Rev. 7/2015) Objectives B.8.1: Ensure Instructor Certification and Training Requirements are Current and B.8.3: Identify and assess current feedback methods for input on instructor performance, directed staff to develop methods for effectively assessing the quality of POST certified training courses and instructors. In January 2011, POST contracted with South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortium to provide Master Instructor consultants to facilitate the development of a QAP. The consultants, in conjunction with staff and subject matter experts, identified course and instructor performance dimensions and observable behaviors, and from the input, created evaluation forms and a scoring methodology.

The QAP measures law enforcement instructor and course quality, evaluates instructor use of adult learning methods and techniques, reviews course documentation, and ensures the quality of POST certified training courses are consistent with the objectives of POST’s Instructor Development Institute. The mission of the POST QAP is to continually enhance the quality, safety, and value of California law enforcement training.

Recognizing effective training of law enforcement personnel is the cornerstone of a successful, responsive, safe, and ethical organization, POST QAP is committed to a vision that ensures quality, integrity, accountability, and cooperation with all our stakeholders; encourages new ideas, explores and uses accountability technologies; and delivers relevant, client based programs and support services for best practice models of training.

POST staff manages mandated and elective training courses designed to develop and expand the knowledge and skills necessary to improve the quality of law enforcement services in California communities. Each training course can be certified to several presenters, and courses can be scheduled throughout the year at different locations within the state. Currently, there are 3,948 training courses and 832 presenters throughout the state.

The proposed QAP FY 19/20 includes administrative oversight, completion of rubric reports, development of course review schedules, and the presentation of an evaluator course. The contract is designed to relieve POST of the administrative burden of reimbursement and management of the majority of the evaluations. Evaluators paid through the contract will be paid upon completion of each course review and submission of the evaluation report(s) to POST.

The total number of courses audited will vary depending on the total number of days per course. Evaluators are paid on the days they attend the course. No further compensation will be encumbered for additional hours worked outside of course attendance. Evaluator reports include course validation and instructor rubrics. The cost breakdown for this course is reflected in Attachment A.

Staff recommends the Commission authorize the Executive Director to enter into a contract with a qualifying entity for the Course Quality Assessment Program (QAP) in an amount not to exceed $753,516.