NJSACOP LEAP MODEL POLICIES
GENERAL ORDER # 007
EFFECTIVE DATE:
SUBJECT: TRAINING
ISSUED BY:
# OF PAGES: 9
DISTRIBUTION: ALL EMPLOYEES
REVIEW DATE:
LAST REVISED:
33.1.5
33.1.6
33.1.7
33.4.1
33.5.1
33.8.2
16.4.2
ACCREDITATION STANDARDS: 1.1.2
The written directives developed by the Police Department are for internal use only, and do not
enlarge an officer’s civil or criminal liability in any way. They should not be construed as the
creation of a higher standard of safety or care in an evidentiary sense, with respect to third
party claims. Violations of written directives can only be the basis of a complaint by this
department, and then only in an administrative disciplinary setting.
PURPOSE:
To establish department regulations addressing mandatory and elective in-service training and to
identify the type, frequency and volume of training provided to department employees.
POLICY:
One of the most important responsibilities of a police department is the continuing education
provided to its employees through the application of formal and informal training programs. All
employees of this department shall attend training sessions as scheduled by department
supervisors and are encouraged to request training in areas of specialized responsibility and
interest. The department shall endeavor to train employees in an effort to enhance the efficiency,
effectiveness and professionalism of the organization.
PROCEDURE:
I.
Training Unit
A.
The chief of police has authorized the establishment of a training unit within the
department. The training officer will be selected by the chief of police and shall report to
the administrative division commander.
B.
Training instructors utilized by this department should possess the following qualifications:
1.
Successful completion of the Methods of Instructions course.
2.
Three (3) years of full time law enforcement experience.
C.
The training officer is responsible for the following:
1.
Develop and review lesson plans for department in-service training.
2.
Develop and review materials for roll call training sessions.
3.
Revisions and modifications of existing lesson plans. Curriculum development will
use the following resources:
a.
Staff meeting recommendations
b.
Inspection reports
c.
Observance and interaction with field personnel
d.
Review of performance evaluation training recommendations
e.
Consultation with the chief of police
f.
Recommendations of internal affairs unit
g.
Evaluation of training effectiveness
4.
Recruitment and selection of qualified instructors for training programs.
5.
Evaluation of instructor effectiveness and program content.
6.
Coordination of all training (internal and external) including the distribution of
training material and available course listings.
a.
Preparation of training course registrations
b.
Written notifications to employees regarding scheduled training
c.
Collection of training course evaluations
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NJSACOP LEAP MODEL POLICIES
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
II.
Creation of a comprehensive filing system to facilitate the training function.
Coordination of department certifications and re-certifications in areas of expertise.
Coordination of departmental instructors conducting training sessions at external
locations.
Inspection of all equipment and supplies required to accomplish the training
function, including preparation of a recommended training budget and requests for
acquisition of new or depleted supplies and equipment.
Establish a liaison with the local police training academies.
Supervision of the field-training program.
Submission of a yearly report to the Chief of Police that contains the following
information:
a.
Number and type of training courses conducted.
b.
Number of department personnel attending internal training classes.
c.
Number of department personnel attending external training classes.
d.
Recommendations for the training budget.
Training Programs
A.
Recruit Training
1.
All newly appointed police officers must successfully complete, or have completed,
police academy training at an academy certified by the New Jersey Police Training
Commission.
a.
Officers hired without police academy training must successfully complete
the training course and receive certification from the New Jersey Police
Training Commission to continue employment.
b.
Officers who have completed training and are certified prior to being hired
will be required to produce a copy of their original police training
commission certificate. Additional agency training is required to facilitate
a waiver of training from the police training commission.
c.
Officers hired after police academy training but prior to being issued a
regular police training commission certificate (Alternate Routes and
waiverable Special Law Enforcement Officer II graduates) are required to
complete department agency training performance objectives to facilitate
the awarding of a regular New Jersey Police Training Commission
Certificate.
2.
Officers scheduled for basic police academy training are required to obey all the
rules and regulations of the respective training academy attended.
3.
The department shall furnish the necessary supplies to all officers who are
scheduled to attend a basic police training academy.
4.
No officer will be assigned to a position that requires the officer to carry a firearm
or make arrests until such time as the officer has successfully completed a basic
police training class.
B.
Field Training
1.
All officers who are appointed as police officers to this department shall be
assigned to the field-training program for a minimum of eleven (11) weeks prior to
being assigned to regular patrol duties. This training will be conducted regardless
of prior experience.
2.
The field-training program will be conducted in accordance with the department
directive establishing the parameters and procedures for the program.
Standard
33.4.1
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NJSACOP LEAP MODEL POLICIES
C.
In-Service Training
1.
Program Content
a.
The training officer shall constantly evaluate the training needs of the
department through:
(1).
The review of recent court decisions impacting law enforcement.
(2).
Operational directives and guidelines received from the Attorney
General, County Prosecutor and Chief of Police.
(3).
Review of performance evaluations, written reports and the results
of supervisory inspections.
(4).
Solicited input from the Chief of Police and other officers of the
command staff. NOTE - The chief of police has identified the
following major topical areas that shall be given priority. While
this directive and/or other guidelines may set the “mandatory”
frequency for training in these areas, department policy shall be to
present training on these topics as often as possible to reinforce
the importance of the material.
(a).
Use of force
(b).
Firearms training – live fire and simulator
(c).
Motor vehicle pursuit
(d).
Arrest, search and seizure
(e).
Unlawful profiling
(f).
Constitutional issues and civil rights
(g).
Harassment in the workplace
(h).
Motor vehicle stops
(i).
CPR/ first aid/ defibrillator
(j).
Incident command system
(5).
The introduction of new technology or methods of operation
regarding law enforcement.
(6).
Input from the operations division commander concerning
employee injuries and accidents.
2.
The training room will be utilized for in-service training of officers for classroom
instruction. The physical training room will be utilized for instruction/training of
officers in areas requiring hands on instruction/training.
3.
Any department instructor, prior to receiving authorization to conduct a training
class, shall prepare a detailed lesson plan regarding the subject matter and submit
it for approval to the training officer.
a.
The training officer will review the material and confer with the command
staff prior to issuing an approval.
b.
All lesson plans should demonstrate relevance to agency goals.
4.
Lesson plans may include provisions for a short test of the class participants to be
conducted at the conclusions of the instruction.
5.
Class participants who fail to demonstrate a command of the subject material at
the conclusion of training shall be recommended to the training officer for remedial
instruction in the particular topical area. This instruction may include:
a.
Repeat attendance at the training class, if available.
b.
Individualized instruction by the training officer or class instructor.
c.
Intense supervision by the employee’s immediate supervisor.
6.
All officers attending in-service training shall afford the instructor their complete
attention and conduct themselves in an orderly and professional manner.
7.
The following are not permitted in the training room:
a.
Newspapers or magazines
b.
Non-course related reading materials.
c.
Any other item that might prove to be distracting to the instructor.
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NJSACOP LEAP MODEL POLICIES
D.
Remedial Training
1.
A component of written directive governing Inspection Services provides for
remedial training of employees when certain criteria are met.
a.
Line and staff inspections provide an opportunity to evaluate the operation
of the department in terms of effectiveness, efficiency and compliance
with all written directives. This continuous process allows administrators
to scrutinize the performance of employees at all levels of the
organization.
b.
When a problem or deficiency is discovered, immediate corrective
measures (including remedial training) will be employed to improve the
delivery of polices services and allow the department to achieve its stated
goals and objectives.
2.
In the event that deficiencies are observed and reported in the line or staff
inspection process, and it is determined that additional training may be necessary
to correct the deficiencies uncovered, the deputy chief of police will forward a
training request to the training officer.
a.
The complexity of the training needed and the target group identified for
the training will dictate the type of training program best suited for
remediation of the identified deficiency.
b.
Thorough documentation of completed training shall be forwarded to the
deputy chief of police for inclusion in the inspection files.
3.
Individualized remedial training may also be appropriate to address deficiencies
observed by supervisors in the line inspection process and to address issues
identified as a result of an internal affairs investigation.
4.
In the case of isolated deficiencies identified as a result of line inspections, the first
line supervisors may conduct individualized remedial training in which case both
the deficiency identified and the remedial training conducted shall be reported to
the deputy chief of police via Special Report.
5.
For remediation of deficiencies identified as a result of an internal affairs
investigation, the deputy chief of police will forward a training request to the
training officer.
E.
Annual Training
1.
Mandatory In-Service Training (M.I.S.T.)
a.
The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office has established an in-service
training program for all police officers of municipal and county law
enforcement agencies within Burlington County that addresses the
following:
(1).
Motor Vehicle Law
(2).
CPR
(3).
Bloodborne Pathogens
(4).
Haz Mat/ Right to Know
(5).
Criminal Law Updates
(6).
Domestic Violence
b.
All officers shall attend the scheduled M.I.S.T. sessions and sign the
appropriate attendance sheets at the classroom facilities to verify
attendance.
c.
Any officer who misses a scheduled session is required to advise his
immediate supervisor upon returning to work to allow for rescheduling of
the class. This notification requirement shall be in addition to any
notification requirements concerning absence from scheduled external
training.
Standard
33.1.5
Standard
33.5.1
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NJSACOP LEAP MODEL POLICIES
2.
Executive In-Service Training: The Burlington County Chief’s of Police conduct
annual training geared for command level officers. Officers attending executive inservice training satisfy the requirement for annual mandatory in-service training.
At a minimum, the training program addresses updates on criminal law and civil
liability.
F.
Semi-Annual Training
1.
Firearms Training and Qualification: All officers of this department shall be
required to undergo semi-annual firearms training and qualification.
2.
Use of Force: All officers shall undergo semi-annual training on the use of nonlethal force and deadly force.
3.
Vehicular Pursuit Policy: All officers shall be required to undergo semi-annual
training on the Attorney General’s Guidelines governing motor vehicle pursuits.
G.
Other Training
1.
C.J.I.S. Training: All officers shall receive biennial training, including functional
retesting to reaffirm their proficiency and to ensure compliance with C.J.I.S./NCIC
policies.
2.
Victim/Witness Policy: All officers shall receive biannual training on the procedures
regarding victim/witness notifications.
3.
SRT Training: The Special Response Team shall conduct at least eight (8) hours of
practical training monthly.
4.
Breathalyzer Recertification: All officers who are certified breathalyzer operators
are required to attend a refresher course for re-certification in breathalyzer
operation every second calendar year following the year of certification/recertification.
5.
Radar Recertification: All officers who are certified operators of radar are require
to undergo recertification every third calendar year after their date of certification.
6.
O.C. Spray: All officers shall receive annual training on the use, application and
decontamination procedures of O.C. Spray.
7.
Baton: All officers shall receive annual training in the use of the department issued
baton. Re-certification training shall be conducted as required.
8.
Ethics: All employees shall receive ethics training; to include a review of the
department’s adopted Code of Ethics. This training shall occur, at a minimum,
biennially.
H.
Post-Promotion Training
1.
Upon promotion of any officer, the training officer will ensure that the officer
receives job related training designed to orient the officer to his or her new
position.
2.
Officers receiving their first promotion to the rank of corporal or sergeant shall also
receive formal training in the below listed areas, as available:
a.
Management and Supervision
b.
Supervisor Orientation (departmental)
3.
All department supervisors shall attend departmental in-service on such topics as
performance evaluation, personnel management, liability and supervision, and
career counseling; on an as needed basis as determined by police administration.
I.
Specialized Training
1.
Periodically the chief of police shall select personnel for specialized assignments
that result in the need for additional or specialized training. Upon appointment to
a specialized unit or position, the training officer shall review the training records
of the officer selected and make recommendations to the chief of police for
additional training to prepare the officer to adequately perform the responsibilities
of the new assignment.
Standard
1.1.2
Standard
33.8.2
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NJSACOP LEAP MODEL POLICIES
2.
J.
The following is a limited list of specialized assignments/positions within the police
department and the corresponding training that is recommended for the officer
selected. The training in bold face print is required training for certification or
assignment:
a.
Investigative Bureau – Detective
(1).
Criminal Investigation
(2).
Interviewing and Interrogation
(3).
Crime Scene Photography
(4). Fingerprinting/Crime Scene Processing
b.
Specialized Collision Investigator
(1).
Accident Investigation I
(2).
Accident Investigation II
(3).
Interviewing and Interrogation
c.
Firearms Instructor
(1).
Firearms Instruction Course
(2).
Methods of Instruction
d.
Field Training Officer
(1).
Field Training Officer’s Program
(2).
Methods of Instruction
e.
Dare Unit
(1).
Dare Officer’s Course
(2).
Methods of Instruction
f.
Bicycle Patrol Unit
(1).
Bicycle Patrol Techniques
g.
Department In-Service Training Instructor
(1).
Methods of Instruction
(2).
Optional Training in Field of Individualized Expertise
h.
Special Response Team
(1).
Basic Tactical Officers Course
i.
Breathalyzer Operator
(1).
NJSP Breathalyzer Operator Basic Course
(2).
NJSP Breathalyzer Operator Refresher Course
Roll Call Training – Patrol Officers
1.
The watch commander shall conduct roll call training at the beginning of each
watch.
a.
Roll call training shall be designed to provide updated and refresher
information on any topic that might impact the patrol officers.
b.
Roll call training shall be planned to last no more than 10 minutes in
duration.
2.
The training officer is responsible for the coordination of roll call training and shall
provide written instructional material to the watch commanders to facilitate the
training.
3.
The training officer shall develop a system for the preparation of the written
instructional material, and he may solicit the assistance of other department
supervisors for the preparation of said materials. When requested, department
supervisors shall assist by preparing a short training outline for the requested
topic.
4.
The training officer may also request any officer who has recently attended a
training session (internal or external), to provide a training outline on the topic. If
available, the watch commander may utilize any such officer to present the roll call
training.
5.
Roll call training shall be utilized to expose new and modified department written
directives to all officers of the patrol division.
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NJSACOP LEAP MODEL POLICIES
K.
Written Directive Training
1.
The training officer shall coordinate all initial department training on the written
directive system and initial training of new employees regarding written directives.
2.
All new and revised written directives will be electronically distributed to
department personnel by way of the Power DMS system utilized by the
department. However, in order for written directives to become and remain
operational, they must be actively understood, supported and enforced by
supervisors. Making sure that employees understand and comply with the written
directives is a primary responsibility of supervision.
3.
When new or revised orders are distributed, supervisors are required to review
and discuss the order and/or changes with their personnel to ensure that the order
is understood. For patrol bureau personnel, this review shall be accomplished as
roll call training.
4.
Supervisors shall report all positive and negative feedback received from this
process to the training officer who will confer with the Chief of Police to determine
if additional training, clarification or modification of the order is needed.
L.
Civilian Employee Training
1.
The department supervisory officer having command over any civilian employees
shall evaluate the responsibilities of the civilian positions and determine if any
specialized training is required.
2.
Immediately after appointment, all civilian employees shall receive training
consisting of the following:
a.
Orientation to the agency role, purpose and goals, as well as all applicable
department written directives.
b.
An outline of the responsibilities for the position to which they were
appointed.
c.
Familiarization with working conditions and regulations,
d.
Individual employee rights (contractual and non-contractual),
e.
Any additional job specific training that may be determined necessary.
M.
Career Development Training
1.
Department personnel that are assigned to conduct career development activities
will undergo training in the following areas:
a.
Counseling techniques
b.
Assessment techniques
c.
Department training and educational opportunities
d.
Salary and benefits orientation for all positions within the department
e.
Record keeping techniques
N.
Auxiliary Training
1.
The only persons who currently qualify under the heading of auxiliary members of
the department are the volunteer members of the Domestic Violence Response
Team (DVRT).
2.
The training officer shall ensure that all personnel who volunteer for the DVRT
receive at least the minimum amount of training as required by the county
prosecutor and/or Attorney general BEFORE any member is permitted to
participate in activities associated with a DVRT callout.
Standard
16.4.2
III.
Attendance at Training Sessions
A.
All officers scheduled for training shall report to the training location at the time and date
scheduled. Scheduled training is a duty assignment and unexcused absences from such
training shall be treated as absence without leave. Officers attending training sessions are
required to comply with all other written directives governing on-duty conduct.
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NJSACOP LEAP MODEL POLICIES
IV.
V.
B.
Any officer who is unable to attend a scheduled training session shall be required to notify
the watch commander at police headquarters who shall forward a written notification to
the training officer.
C.
In the event that an officer cannot attend a scheduled training session covering a topic
that is classified as mandatory training, the training officer will be responsible for
rescheduling the officer for the mandatory training on the next available date.
D.
All employees attending training sessions, whether internal or external, shall comply with
the department directive concerning uniforms and civilian attire.
E.
All SRT members scheduled to attending SRT training shall notify their immediate
supervisor of such training at the earliest possible opportunity but in no event later than 48
hours prior to the commencement of such training. The notification shall be made in
writing. Failure to provide the notice may result in the denial of the officer opportunity to
attend the training.
F.
Upon completion of any department sanctioned training program/course, every employee
attending such program/course shall be required to forward a copy of the training
certificate documenting their attendance to the training officer within five (5) days of
completing the training. If no training certificate is issued, employees will be required to
forward a memo to the training officer within five (5) days of completing the training
memorializing the date(s) of attendance and the program/course title.
Request for In-Service Training
A.
Employees requesting to attend elective in-service training shall complete a Special Report
and submit it to the employee’s immediate supervisor.
B.
The Special Report shall be submitted to the training officer through the chain of command
and the supervisory officers in the affected employee’s chain of command shall include
their recommendation for the training on the form.
C.
The employee submitting a request for training will be advised in writing of the approval or
denial of the requested training.
Lesson Plans
A.
Instructors preparing a lesson plan for consideration shall follow the basic guidelines listed
below:
1.
Cover Sheet
a.
Agency Identification
b.
Lesson Title
c.
Lesson Goal
d.
Lesson Description
e.
Time Required
f.
Resources
g.
Instructor/preparer Identification
h.
Date Prepared
2.
Performance and job-related objectives
a.
Clearly explain the performance objectives that the students will be
expected to achieve when the training is completed.
b.
Explain the relevance between the training and the achievement of
department goals and objectives by showing the relationship between the
topics covered and critical job-related tasks.
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NJSACOP LEAP MODEL POLICIES
3.
4.
5.
VI.
Standard
33.1.7.a
Lesson Body
a.
Training outline detailing the material to be covered
b.
Teaching strategies
c.
Teaching Aids
Summary
a.
Provide an overview of all the main points introduced with the lesson.
b.
Make questions to clarify the material presented.
c.
Reinforce the nexus between the lesson and job-related tasks.
Testing
a.
Prepare a minimum of five questions intended to test the student’s
retention of the materials introduced with the lesson.
b.
The number of questions to include on the test should increase
proportionally to length of time dedicated to the training program.
Records System
A.
The training officer shall maintain a comprehensive file system including the following:
1.
A master schedule of all training sessions conducted by department instructors.
2.
A copy of all lesson plans filed by instructors for the classes conducted.
3.
A record of all test scores attained by employees regarding after training tests
along with a copy of the test given. (Internal training only)
4.
An individual record of the training, internal and external, attended by each
employee of the department.
5.
An inventory of all educational and training resources available to department
employees.
6.
A list of educational and training contacts available to the department.
7.
Copies of all instructional materials distributed to department supervisors for
review with their subordinates.
8.
A copy of all roll call training materials distributed to patrol supervisors.
B.
A hard copy of all training certificates and employee memorandums associated with
completed training courses shall be maintained in the individual employee’s training file.
Standard
33.1.7.c
Standard
33.1.6
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