Training Policy
Policy text
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Source file: 4.04 Training Policy.pdf. Policy dates appear on the original cover. Page links use the PDF's page order.
M.G.L. links open the Massachusetts Legislature’s website. Citations with no matching section open the cited chapter directory.
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Policy & Procedures No. 4.04
Subject:
Training, Organization and
Administration
Issuing Authority: Effective Date: Review Date:
Chief of Police 10/28/2013 9/23/2023
References:
Review
Revision 12/12/2016
Reissued 12/15/2018
Dates: 2/3/2020
2/14/2022
CALEA Standards:
33.1.1, 33.1.2, 33.1.3, 33.1.4, 33.1.7, 33.2.1, 33.3.1, 33.3.2, 33.4.1, 33.4.2, 33.5.1, 33.5.3,
33.6.2, 33.7.1, 33.7.2, 33.8.2 1.3.12, 72.1.1 1.1.11 1.1.12 1.1.13
Action Items: 05 TRN-01, 20 TRN-02
Training, Organization, and Administration
Purpose Training has often been cited as one of the most important responsibilities in
any law enforcement agency. Training serves three broad purposes. First, well
trained officers are generally better prepared to act decisively and correctly in
a broad spectrum of situations, second, training results in greater productivity
and effectiveness. Third, training fosters cooperation and unity of purpose.
More over agencies are now being held legally accountable for the actions of
their personnel and for failing to provide initial or remedial training.
Training programs shall ensure that the needs of the agency are addressed and
that there is accountability for all training provided. In particular, training
shall be consistent with the Canton Police Department’s goals and objectives.
Policy The following criteria and procedures shall be followed in the organization
and administration of the Canton Police Department’s training function.
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Training Unit
Goals Since the department recognizes the importance of training in maintaining an
effective and professional department it will thus offer, and make available
when resources allow, training in all areas of policing that will contribute to
the increased effectiveness and efficiency of the personnel and the dept. This
will apply to both sworn and non-sworn employees. 33.1.2 (4)
The department also recognizes its obligation to keep officers informed of
changes in statutory law (State and Federal); the court system; other
applicable areas of the criminal justice system; current threats and trends; and
the policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and orders of this department.
This information shall be disseminated through in-service training,
specialized and advanced training, roll call training, mandatory training,
remedial training, the field training officers’ program, and the established
Written Directives System in Department Policy.
The goals of the training function and the department are to provide, or make
available, the best possible training programs to all officers within the
department. This is to be accomplished through the mandatory training
sessions, specialized training programs or sessions conducted by this
department, the Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) or other
approved outside agencies, and with a continuous program of roll call
training.
The department will actively encourage training that is provided by other
criminal justice agencies, and training provided by the department to
personnel of other criminal justice agencies. This interagency training will
increase effectiveness, improve coordination, and promote better
understanding among criminal justice agencies.
The specific goals of the program are:
• To enhance and develop the skills needed by officers to grow as
professionals;
• To improve police and community relations;
• Assist the department in more efficient and effective accomplishment of
overall objectives;
• To meet all state and department mandated training requirements;
• To provide career development opportunities to all officers.
By fulfilling these goals, the department will be able to assist all officers in
their career development efforts by providing training that will enhance an
officer’s abilities and proficiency in all critical areas of police work. The
department will also benefit from a well-trained police force.
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Training The Training Coordinator and individual training officers will be appointed
Function by the Chief of Police.
[33.1.1 b, e]
Overall responsibility, administration and coordination for the training
function of the department lie with the Training Coordinator, under the
direction of the Chief of Police.
Responsibilities The Training Coordinator shall be charged with planning and developing all
of the Training in-house training programs and overseeing all statutory mandated training,
Coordinator training of new officers, and training to commensurate a new position or
[33.1.1 d] function. The responsibilities shall include the following:[33.3.1]
Implementing and modifying training programs, as needed or required;
Coordinating training with current department goals and objectives;
Coordinating with the scheduling officer to assign officers to the mandatory
training sessions, and notifying all officers of the schedules;
Obtaining and scheduling qualified instructors for all mandatory training
sessions;
Monitoring attendance for all mandatory and authorized training courses and
sessions;
Keeping officers informed of private facilities available to them for training
purposes;
Review and forward with recommendations for approval or disapproval all
applications for training;
Review training surveys, evaluations, or critiques to obtain an overview of the
effectiveness of the various training programs provided by outside agencies,
and select instructors for in-house training sessions;
Maintain records of all training programs and sessions attended by all
employees and provide documentation (ex. certificate of completion, course
description/dates attended, etc.) for inclusion in individual employees’
personnel files; 33.3.1
Responsibilities Post for officer’s review and consumption all training aids or bulletins;
of the Training Coordinate with division supervisors to determine the training needs of theirCoordinator respective divisions and that of individual officers;(continued)
Coordinate with division supervisor for the evaluation and development of
department personnel as potential instructors and assistants;
Coordinate with Sergeants to oversee and monitor the evaluation of
probationary officers and provide specific training, if needed, in order to
effect improvements in performance. This function will be achieved by the
proper implementation of the Canton Police Department’s Recruit Officer
Field Training Program.
_______________________________________________________________
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Training A formal training committee, which reports to the Chief of Police and is
Committee chaired by the Training Coordinator, shall meet annually. This committee will
[33.1.1 a-e] be responsible for reviewing and evaluating all in-house training programs to
ensure that they complement personnel and operational needs, legal
requirements, and agency policies. It will also make recommendations
concerning new areas of training and will assist in developing and modifying
programs to fit those needs. The committee shall be under the authority of the
Chief of Police.
At present the Training Committee shall consist of the following personnel:
Chief of Police
Deputy Chief
Detective Bureau Supervisor
Family Services Unit Supervisor
Training Coordinator
Principle Field Training Officer
The Chief of Police shall have final authority for the selection and
replacement of committee members.
Training Recognizing that the department is made up of individuals, and that
Program individuals have differing training needs, the Training Coordinator shall
Criteria conduct a training needs assessment at least annually.
[33.2.1]
These needs shall encompass both remedial needs (if an employee fails any
administered test) and the potential benefit of specialized and advanced
training (other than weapons qualification). An employee will be sent to
additional training (remedial or specialized/advanced) at the recommendation
of the Training Coordinator and at the Chief’s discretion. This training shall
be documented by the officer conducting the training. 33.3.2
Division Supervisors will be asked to assess their respective units for overall
needs. This should include present and future training. Each Supervisor
should also include training suggestions for other departmental units that
would have a positive effect on the ability of his/her division to perform its
function.
When the assessment forms have been completed, the Training Coordinator
shall compile the information and prepare a report that will be forwarded to
each Division Supervisor and the Chief of Police. This information shall then
be used when decisions are made for the scheduling of individual officers.
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Resources The Training Committee members shall provide to the Training Coordinator
the following resources from their respective divisions/assignments:
Inspection reports;
Staff reports and/or meetings;
Consultation with field personnel and field observations;
Training committee reports;
Training evaluations;
Participation and approval by the agency’s chief executive officer; and
Internal affairs investigative reports.
Mandated Training
Introduction Certain areas of police work require continuous training so that an officer
may achieve and maintain a high level of proficiency. The department will
conduct or provide mandatory training in each of these areas and administer
written and/or practical tests to ensure that all officers meet or exceed the
minimum acceptable standards.
The level of proficiency required to achieve minimum acceptable standards
will be set by the Training Unit unless a statute or state mandate sets the
required standards for that particular training program.
The following training is MANDATORY and will be attended by all Sworn
Mandated Officers as noted. Remedial training will be offered in all areas of deficiency:
Training
• Firearms Training: All officers must attend firearms training each year.[33.5.1]
[33.1.1 (1)] The training will include a qualification course which must be successfully
[33.2.1] completed with all weapons issued to the officer or utilized by the
[72.1.1] department. This course will also test the officer’s tactical shooting skills.
The department’s Use of Force Policy will be reviewed at this time as well.
• First Aid Training: First aid training will be held annually. All officers
will be recertified every three (3) years.
• CPR and Defibrillator Training: All officers will be trained and
certified annually.
• In-Service Training: All officers will be scheduled annually for, and
must successfully complete, in-service training that meets the Municipal
Police Training Committee’s (MPTC) and POST’s training requirements.
Compliance will be made with the new in-service training requirements as
developed by the MPTC and POST. This training must be fully
documented. TRN-01; Action Item 5
• Legal Updates: All officers will receive new legal updates annually.
This may be accomplished during roll calls when necessary.
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Entry Level All newly appointed student officers of the department, as mandated by
Officers M.G.L. c 4l § 96b, will attend a police training academy. The training
[33.4.2] academy will be one approved by the MPTC. 1.1.12[33.1.1 (1)]
[72.1.1]
This will be done prior to the employee performing the duties of a police
officer. The student officer must complete this training before being allowed
[33.3.1] to carry a weapon or to be in a position to make an arrest. The only exception
[1.1.11] to this is when the student officer is required to carry a weapon as part of a
field training program.
While attending the recruit training academy, all student officers from the
department will be bound by the rules, regulations and procedures of the
academy, as well as the regulations and procedures of the Canton Police
Department.
[33.4.1] Upon completion of the academy, the officer will enter the field training
[72.1.1] evaluation program with designated field training officers. The Training
Coordinator, in addition to the Field Training Officer, will review with each
candidate the Canton Police Department’s policies, procedures, rules and
regulations. To document issuance and receipt of particular policies (such as
Use of Force) in addition to instruction in that policy, each officer will sign a[1.1.13] Policy & Procedure Receipt Form. This will be completed before the officer[1.1.12]
is authorized to carry a lethal or less lethal weapon in addition to working a
shift on his/her own.
Newly All newly appointed civilian personnel will receive information regarding:
Appointed 33.7.1 (2A,B) a. The agency’s role, purpose, goals, policies, and procedures
Civilian 33.7.1 (2C) b. Working conditions and regulations (given in job description)
Personnel 33.7.1 (2D,E) c. Responsibilities and rights of employees
[33.7.1] d. Explanation of the Accreditation Process 33.5.3 A
This information will be distributed in a variety of ways including the assistance
of the Human Resources Department for the Town. Working conditions and
regulations will be spelled out in the job description. (2C) The Deputy Chief will
review the agency’s role, purpose and goals with the employee.(2A) In addition,
he/she will review the Department’s Policies and Procedures (2A) (that pertain
to them), Employees responsibilities and rights, (D,E) along with accreditation
information with the new employee. A check list will be utilized to ensure all
matters have been addressed.
Prior to assuming job responsibility, all non-sworn employees of the department
will receive on-the-job training for their new assignment. Annual retraining will
be provided as needed. 33.7.2
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_____________________________________________________________
Advanced/ All newly appointed Supervisors will be sent to the “Command Training”
Supervisory class at the first available opportunity. Employees, both sworn and civilian,Training who are promoted or assuming specialized positions will receive training[33.8.2]
[33.1.1 (1)] consistent with the new position or assignment.
[72.1.1]
All supervisors will receive refresher training in the various aspects of
supervision and management during in-service training and other courses
offered by outside agencies. All newly appointed supervisors will be required
to attend refresher training in compliance with M.G.L. c 40 § 36c, as a
condition of promotion. Supervisors are encouraged to attend seminars that
are offered by the Command Training Institute as well as instructors courses
offered by the MPTC.
Lieutenants and above may apply for training at the FBI National Academy
through the chain of command to the Training Coordinator.
Applications for advanced training will be reviewed by the Training
Coordinator and the Chief of Police and will take into consideration the
following:
• Will the training aid in meeting the department’s goals and objectives?
• Will the training enhance the professional competency of the applicant?
•The position or assignment of the applicant.
•Mandatory training requirements.
•Availability of funds, if applicable.
Selection of personnel will be based upon the current or anticipated needs of
the department, and will have a direct relationship with the applicant’s current
or anticipated job assignment.
College All employees are encouraged to further their education, and attain at least a
Education Bachelor’s Degree, by attending a degree program at an accredited college or
university.
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Training Attendance and Records
Training All employees (sworn & civilian) who are unable to attend a mandatory
Attendance training session for any legitimate reason must be excused by the Training
[33.1.1 (2,3)] Coordinator. Legitimate excuses shall consist of, but may not be limited to:
scheduled vacation days whereby the officer shows that he/she will be away
from the community; sickness; injury; investigations whereby an interruption
would disrupt the process; scheduled court appearances; schools or seminars;
and job-related meetings or programs which cannot be rescheduled around the
training session.
Ample notice for the dates and times of scheduled training sessions will be
given to all officers by the Training Coordinator absent extenuating
circumstances. This will be done through roll call notices and special orders.
All employees required to attend training sessions will arrive on time and
must stay until excused by the instructor. They will be considered to be on
duty for the period of training, and will dress in business attire for all
classroom instruction. Exceptions to this dress code will be made in those
courses that involve the use of special equipment or hands on training. In
these courses, officers will be expected to dress in a neat and professional
manner bearing in mind their role as representatives of the department. They
will also be attentive and courteous to the instructor, while avoiding creating
any disruption during the class. Violation of this decorum will be considered
a disciplinary matter and will be dealt with accordingly.
Attendance will be taken either by the Training Coordinator or his/her
designee. Excused absences will have to be made up during the make-up
sessions scheduled by the Training Coordinator. Unexcused absences will be
considered as failing to report for duty and may be cause for disciplinary
action, up to and including termination for repeated offenses.
Employees who attend training programs or courses outside of the department
are expected to attend sessions as scheduled. When unable to do so for any
legitimate reason they must obtain permission from the Training Coordinator.
Mandated For scheduling purposes, when an employee is assigned to training during the
Training hours of his/her shift, the Training Coordinator will consult with the
(continued) scheduling officer to make whatever arrangements are necessary to meet the
needs of the department. In most instances, attendance at any outside training
program will be considered to constitute that officer’s daily work shift on that
day, or during the period of the program.
Employees attending outside training programs are subject to all the rules,
regulations, policies and procedures of that program and shall adhere to them
as they would those of the department. Employees who fail to do so shall be
subject to disciplinary action.
________________________________________________________________
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Training records for all agency employees are maintained by the Training
Training Coordinator. They are stored both in a computerized file and in the
Records employee’s personnel folder located in the Chief’s office. Training records
[33.3.1] contain information that includes, but is not limited to:[33.3.2]
Training dates;
Training topics;
Attendance records;
Copies of certificates or other documentation to show completion of training
programs; and
Test scores.
Training records will be updated with necessary and relevant information by
the Training Coordinator within thirty (30) days of completion of training
programs. Once training is completed, the employee is to submit a copy of
any record information (certificates, test scores, etc.) to the Training
Coordinator.
The Training Coordinator will maintain informational files and copies of
lesson plans on all training programs conducted by the department. These
records will be maintained for three years. Training program files contain
information that includes, but is not limited to: 33.3.2
- Course content or lesson plans; (a)
- Names of employees attending the training; (b)
- Performance of individual attendees as measured by tests, if
administered. (c)
_______________________________________________________________
Employees may receive other reimbursements for training-related expenses.
Training
Related Expenses must be authorized by the Chief of Police prior to final
Expenses arrangements being made. First, a letter must be submitted to the Chief
[33.1.2 (1-5)] detailing reimbursable expenses. (2) Such reimbursements may include:
mileage, meals, overnight accommodations and airfare, registration fees,
books, and materials (1). There are no per diem limits (for meals, etc.) (4)
After training, an itemized expense report, including original receipts for
expenses, must be submitted to the Chief of Police for processing and
reimbursement according to the regulations of the town accounting office (3).
Reimbursed expenses will be paid to the employee in a check separate from
their weekly paycheck (5).
________________________________________________________________
Classroom The training room located on the second floor of the police station will be
Space for made available for all in-house training functions. If audio/visual, or any
Training other type of equipment is needed for the training exercise, the Training
[33.1.3] Coordinator will make the necessary arrangements when possible.
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Special The Canton Police Department, as a member of METRO L.EC., has allocated
Operations certain members of the department to specialized assignments within this
Training group. These officers are required to attend all training courses, as required to
METRO L.E.C. maintain their skill level and proficiency within their respective functions, in
[33.6.2] accordance with the METRO L.E.C. training guidelines.
Training Courses Conducted by our Agency
Lesson Plans The Canton Police Department requires lesson plans for all training conducted
[33.1.3 ] by our agency (with the exception of roll call training). For example, annual training
on our Use of Force Policy. All agency lesson plans will include the following:
a. A statement of performance and job-related objectives; [a]
b. The content of the training and specification of the appropriate
instructional techniques; [b]
c. A process for approval of lesson plans; [c]and
d. Identification of any tests used in the training process [e]
The established agency template lesson plan should be followed when developing a
lesson plan (see attached). All lesson plans will be approved, with a signature or
initialed (d), by a Superior Officer, preferably one who has experience in that particular
training matter. Superior Officers have experience in reviewing lesson plans as they have
been following the ‘Lesson Plan Guidelines’ recommended in Standard 1.3.11 for several
years.
PowerPoint printouts are not lesson plans; they are training aids.
If outside instructors are used to conduct in-house training, lesson plans for the training
will be maintained in the training files located in the Deputy Chief’s office.
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