Should the Commission remove Force Option Simulator as a mandated Regulation 1070 course?

If the Commission concurs, the appropriate action would be a MOTION to approve the recommendation as enumerated in this report.

Instructors of any of the specialized subjects listed in California Code of Regulation 1070 (Minimum Training Standards for Instructors of POST-Certified Specialized Training)  must successfully complete a training course listed in subsection 1070(b) or complete the equivalency process outlined in subsection 1070(c). 

Currently, instructors who teach courses using the Force Option Simulator are required by regulation to attend a training course.

In February 2021, the Commission voted to discontinue the use of the Force Option Simulator to fulfill Tactical Firearms Perishable Skills. 

The Force Option Simulator Instructor course requires the presenters to teach students how to familiarize themselves with a simulator, along with other required topics. POST does not regulate the type of simulator a presenter may purchase or use. Currently there are seven different known brands of simulators in use across the state. The expectation for presenters of the instructor class to have knowledge in each simulator is unrealistic. Vendors of these simulators offer up to eight hours of instructional training for the application and use of the simulators.

Removal of this 1070 mandate does not impact the regulatory requirements for other Perishable Skills.

Staff have updated Regulation 1070 (Attachment A) to remove the Force Option Simulator Instructor course. Regulation 1082 (Attachment B) has been updated to remove the topics to be covered in the Force Option Simulator Instructor course.

Staff recommends the revisions to Regulations 1070 and 1082 be amended pursuant to the rulemaking process and the Office of Administrative Law. If no one requests a public hearing, the amendments will become effective April 1, 2022.