One of the most compelling challenges for POST is to assess how effective training is for the student, and specifically whether the curriculum enhances student performance, competency, and service. This matter was reinforced by the Commission when it expressed a desire to ensure the return on investment to law enforcement was being realized through meaningful training.
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 (Traditional Learning and Distance Learning) are consistent with the objectives of POST’s Instructor Development Institute (IDI). 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.
If an assessment reveals a weakness in the curriculum or facilitation skills, the QAP Curriculum/Facilitation Coach services will be offered to the presenter. The QAP Curriculum/Facilitation Coach will help develop a more robust curriculum or enhance classroom environment management and facilitation skills. In conjunction with the presenter and facilitators, these coaches will complete a Curriculum and Facilitation Development Plan, which clearly establishes jointly agreed-upon desired outcomes and provides a step-by-step outline of how these goals will be accomplished. Coaches will make themselves available as plan goals are accomplished to provide further advice and make revisions as necessary.
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 4,474 training courses and 935 presenters throughout the state.
In FY 2019/20, despite 36 courses being cancelled, predominantly due to COVID and wildfires, POST QAP auditors evaluated 85 courses, 248 instructors, representing 236 days and 1,843 hours worked in courses.
Attached are two examples illustrating the detailed evaluation a course can receive. |