Currently, Regulation 1005(d) specifies the minimum hours of training required for each of the perishable skills/communications topics but does not include the content, testing, and instructional methodology requirements. Presenters must cross reference with Training Procedure D-2-4 to find this information. This process can be frustrating for presenters with new training managers unfamiliar with the layout of POST regulations and Training Procedures. Also, the minimum topics as currently listed in Procedure D-2-4 do not match the topics as listed in the Perishable Skills Program document that agencies and presenters rely on to develop and present the perishable skills training required every two years.
This indicates that even among POST staff, having multiple and separate locations for this information can lead to confusion. Listing all of the requirements for the Perishable Skills Program in one location will eliminate confusion and streamline regulatory references. Addressing both the minimum required hours and the required content, testing, and instructional methodology in one place will eliminate confusion and the necessity to view requirements across multiple documents. Additionally, approval of this agenda item would continue the progress in moving away from references to the POST Administrative Manual that is no longer in use. Rather, it focuses on the regulatory procedures set forth in the California Code of Regulations.
Regulation 1005(d) currently distinguishes Communications as a Continuing Professional Training (CPT) requirement separate from the Perishable Skills. This has led to confusion as there is a common perception among both the field and POST staff that Communications is one of the specified Perishable Skills topics. Communications, whether interpersonal or tactical, is a "perishable skill" and one that must be practiced with intent to be effective. This is especially the case with respect to de-escalation.
Amending Regulation 1005(d) to remove this distinction and bring the topic of Communications under the umbrella of Perishable Skills will eliminate this confusion and bring this topic area in line with what the Perishable Skills Program represents, the continued training in skills that law enforcement personnel must regularly practice in order to maintain proficiency.
The required minimum topics for courses qualifying for the POST Perishable Skills Program have not been updated since they were first implemented in 2002. As a result, some of the topic areas, terminology, and techniques referenced in the current minimum topics have become obsolete, are no longer used, or are no longer considered best practice. POST staff convened several workshops with SMEs from throughout California to discuss current terminology and best practices as well as to update the minimum topics based on the direction of the SMEs.
Due to COVID-19, POST staff was unable to complete all workshops and proposed updates prior to the Commission meeting held in June 2020. The final workshop was held virtually over the summer and all topics have now been updated with input from SMEs in their respective subject areas. This delay will cause the updated minimum topics to go into effect after the start of the next PSP cycle on January 1, 2021. However, it was deemed more appropriate to implement the revisions shortly after the start of the next cycle than to wait another two years.
POST participating agencies and presenters of PSP courses will be provided with a grace period for updating their curriculum to accommodate the updated minimum topics. This has been noted in the regulation as follows: "For the 2021-2022 CPT cycle, individuals who completed any of the Perishable Skills courses between January and July 2021, adhering to prior versions of the required Minimum Topics and Course Objectives, will remain compliant for the remainder of the cycle." |