Training Policy

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.

Canton Police Department’s Training, Organization and Administration Policy     Page 1

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.

  Canton Police Department’s Training, Organization and Administration Policy    Page 2

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.
              _______________________________________________________________

  Canton Police Department’s Training, Organization and Administration Policy    Page 3

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.

  Canton Police Department’s Training, Organization and Administration Policy    Page 4

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.

  Canton Police Department’s Training, Organization and Administration Policy    Page 5

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

  Canton Police Department’s Training, Organization and Administration Policy    Page 6

_____________________________________________________________

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.

  Canton Police Department’s Training, Organization and Administration Policy    Page 7

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.
              ________________________________________________________________

  Canton Police Department’s Training, Organization and Administration Policy    Page 8

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.

  Canton Police Department’s Training, Organization and Administration Policy    Page 9

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.

  Canton Police Department’s Training, Organization and Administration Policy   Page 10