Sheriff's Office Training Programs

• This order provides guidelines for the Sheriff's Office training programs
• The policy ensures members receive training in accordance with the law and procedure

Definitions

• Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) are federal information security requirements that protect the sources, transmission, storage, and generation of CJI
• Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC) establishes uniform minimum standards and training for law enforcement, correctional, and correctional probation officers
• Dart Firing Stun Gun (DFSG) uses compressed gases to propel metal darts for electro-muscular disruption. It's also called a Conducted Electrical Weapon (CEW)
• In-Service Training fulfills agency needs and CJSTC requirements for law enforcement re-certification, and is designated as "Mandatory Training"

Procedures

• Orientation training is required for all newly hired sworn and non-sworn members within 120 days of their hire date, unless an extension is granted by the Administrative Bureau Major or designee
• Sponsored academy recruits have 120 days after completing academy training to attend orientation
• Required classes coordinate with the Human Resources Section, and the Training Unit schedules the classes
• New members may need to attend additional classes based on their job position
• Orientation training includes reviewing accreditation standards, roles, working conditions, member rights, drug-free workplace policies, professionalism, ethics, and Incident Command Systems (ICS)
• Newly hired sworn members (Forensics Unit Technicians, Evidence Specialists, etc.) must participate in an infectious disease training program before assignment where occupational exposure is possible, and participate in refresher training annually
• Members are responsible for completing the courses needed to maintain certifications and master job-related skills
• Sworn members must complete all required hours of training every four years, including mandatory online courses and quizzes as outlined by CJSTC
• All agency members complete any training required by state or federal legislation, and for accreditation

Mandatory Training Topics

• Human Diversity/Interpersonal Skills are required every four years for all members
• Use of Force training must be completed annually, and topics must be completed every three years
• Use of Force training includes scenario-based firearms training, physiological response dynamics training, agency policies on Use of Force, and legal aspects regarding Use of Force
• Dart Firing Stun Gun (DFSG) training is completed annually according to FSS 943
• After DFSG training, members who choose not to carry the DFSG must carry the ASP baton
• All members authorized to carry firearms must qualify with each issued firearm annually, and must complete the CJSTC-approved qualification course and forms biennially at a minimum
• Other mandatory training includes Domestic Violence training, Juvenile Sex Offender Investigation training, and Human Diversity In-Service Training for Discriminatory Profiling and Professional Traffic Stops, which may satisfy human diversity training
• Incident Command Systems (ICS) training is required for certain assignments, unless the member can prove completion
• CJIS Training is required every two years for members accessing FCIC/NCIC criminal history databases
• All members with unescorted access to FCIC/NCIC areas must have FDLE-required CJIS training
• Less-lethal weapon training is required biennially for members issued less-lethal weapons, including impact weapons, chemical agents, stun cuffs, or less-lethal weapons approved by the Sheriff
• After this training, if members choose not to carry the ASP baton, they shall carry the dart-firing stun gun
• Active Assailant training is required on an annual basis

Agency Required Training

• Sexual Harassment training is required as needed for all members
• Defensive Driving training is required annually for every member who operates an agency vehicle
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid training is required every two years for all sworn members, and is available to non-sworn members on a voluntary basis
• Applicable Legal Updates are required as needed for all sworn and select non-sworn members
• Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) Updates are required as needed for all members
• Blood Borne Pathogens training is required annually for members facing high-risk potential for occupational exposure
• Other training required as needed includes: Hazardous Materials, Forfeiture, Biomedical Hazards, Firearms Training, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Firearms Training is required for all sworn members and is conducted for approved firearms and approved rifles/assault weapons as directed by the Training Unit
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) training on the provisions and response techniques for people with disabilities must be completed at least every three years

Specific Training

• Members may need training on specialized topics like Domestic Violence, Sex Offender/Predator issues, Risk Protection Orders, Harassment, and the Sergeant Field Training Program

• Training must address components of the Domestic Violence policy and the use of the Domestic Violence Pamphlet

• Training for Domestic Violence may include service, verification, enforcement of injunctions, duties and responsibilities of law enforcement, assisting special needs victims, documentation, impact of law enforcement intervention, and State Attorney's office policies

• Domestic Service Officers complete the forty-hour Victim Services Practitioner Designation course given by the Attorney General, Florida Crime Prevention Training Institute (FCPTI); the certification is valid for three years

• Training on Sex Offender/Predator issues includes proactive enforcement for sworn members and specialized knowledge for specific assignments, training program updates, and resources regarding community notification

• Risk Protection Order training covers requirements under FSS 790.401, understanding the purpose and need, and procedures for obtaining a Risk Protection Order

• Harassment training covers what constitutes harassment and Policy 310.0, and includes refresher training as determined and remedial training for offending members within thirty days of discipline

• Newly promoted Sergeants complete a field training program within ninety days per Policy 446.0

• Newly promoted non-sworn Supervisors must complete a supervisory training program prior to or within twelve months of promotion

• The Training Unit Supervisor is responsible for the In-Service Training curriculum

• Agency members can recommend training topics, and job task analyses ensure In-Service Training addresses job requirements

Training Attendance

• Attendance is mandatory unless excused by the Division Captain
• Members may be excused for court testimony, sick leave, or other exigent circumstances
• Members scheduled for training must complete all program portions
• Absences from outside training programs must be reported to the Supervisor per Policy 300.0, who then notifies the Training Unit
• The Division Captain who excuses a member from training must notify the Training Unit Supervisor via email with the member's information and reason
• The Training Unit Supervisor reviews and updates each sworn member's certificate as required by CJSTC, it is the member's responsibility to maintain certifications
• Members who fail to complete a training class must submit a memorandum detailing the reason to their Division Captain, with a copy to the Training Unit
• Supervisors must ensure subordinates schedule, attend, and complete training using the Sheriff's Office online training program
• Supervisors must review electronic requests to prevent staffing conflicts
• Training requests through the online program will be approved or denied using the same program

Rescheduling Training

• Training may be rescheduled through the online program up to forty-eight hours before the class with supervisory approval
• Rescheduling within forty-eight hours needs approval from the member's Division Captain or designee
• Supervisors must contact the Training Unit Supervisor when rescheduling occurs within forty-eight hours of the scheduled class
• Issues in the online training program shall be brought to the attention of the Training Unit Supervisor
• A written or electronic training request for training outside PowerDMS will be reviewed for approval
• Supervisors examine requests to ensure the training benefits the member and the Sheriff's Office, and members must justify attending training not directly related to their assignment
• Supervisors must ensure their budgets support training requests
• Training requests must be submitted at least three weeks before the training starts
• Supervisors must inform the Training Unit if a subordinate cannot attend scheduled training to arrange a substitute

Failure to Attend Training

• Members who fail to attend training are subject to progressive discipline, unless excused
• The Training Unit Supervisor sends a memorandum listing the title and date of the missed training to the member's Division Captain, and the member's Supervisor investigates
• The Training Section Lieutenant can repossess a member's firearm(s) and/or DFSG if the member fails to complete required re-qualification/refresher training until the member successfully completes the course

Roll Call Training and Remedial Training

• Roll call training updates and reviews skills and knowledge between formal training programs

• Roll call training is documented in a lesson plan and includes approved topics from the Training Unit

• Supervisors implement roll call training in cooperation with the Training Unit

• Attendance is recorded on a roster, forwarded to the Training Unit, and entered into training file

• Remedial/additional training is available for performance deficiencies identified through evaluation/observation

• Minor deficiencies can be corrected through informal training/counseling

• Deficiencies impacting job performance must be addressed with remedial training initiated within 30 days of discovery, unless rescheduled by a Captain or higher authority

• Remedial training hours do not count toward the In-Service Training requirement, but should be documented in the member's training file

• Failure to successfully complete remedial training may be considered Unsatisfactory Performance and handled according to disciplinary procedures

• Remedial training is initiated for poor vehicle driving skills (requiring attendance at the next defensive driving course), firearms proficiency (resulting in further training by a certified firearms instructor), and defensive tactics/less lethal weapon proficiency (resulting in further training by a certified instructor)

• If a passing status is not achieved, Training Unit Staff will initiate immediate corrective action by notifying the member and supervisor, will follow up with a written notification, and will disapprove weapon/vehicle use until proficiency is obtained

Specialized Training

• Specific training is required for agency members in certain positions, based on agency needs or job task analysis
• Training may cover management, performance standards, agency mission, and supervised on-the-job training
• Unit Supervisors ensure training for members transferred to specialized positions is initiated within thirty days, and is documented, and completed training may qualify for this requirement
• Job assignments requiring specialized training include Aviation, Communications Officers, Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), Detectives, Emergency Response Team (ERT), High Liability, Forensics Unit Technicians, Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT), Canine Handlers, Latent Print Examiner, Motorcycle Unit, Mounted Patrol, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team, Field Training Officer, and Domestic Service Officer/Victim Advocate
• Records of specialized training are forwarded to the Training Unit, and copies of lesson plans are provided to the Training Unit Supervisor
• If training content could jeopardize safety, the specialty unit may maintain the materials and only forward the rosters to the Training Unit

Agency Hosted Training

• Any agency member can suggest or request agency-hosted training

• The Training Unit researches the feasibility unless waived by the Administrative Bureau Major or higher authority

• Members requesting to host training must submit an Agency Sponsored Training Class Request form detailing course content, prospective enrollment, and research already conducted

• The Training Unit will submit its research results for approval to the Administrative Bureau Major or designee, and the Training Unit or member can facilitate the class

• Members requesting the agency host a specific training type must submit a request form and course outline, and, once approved, is responsible for scheduling the training with the instructor, arranging the location, and setting up/cleaning the training rooms

• Training requirements include class materials and proximity card issuance for non-agency members with School Safety Division Captain approval

• Non-agency parking for Sheriff's Office classes is in the visitor parking near the Parking Garage, unless a Captain or higher authority approves parking in the Sheriff's Office parking lot or Parking Garage

• For Sheriff's Office Training Facility classes, all members park in the parking lot adjacent to the facility or near the Range House

Advanced Training

• Advanced training is essential for member growth and should be continued for members assigned to management or staff-level positions
• Members requesting command-level training must comply with Policy 257.0
• Members requesting instructor training classes must comply with Post Order 72.0 and Policy 326.0

Training Dress Code and Temporary Shift Change

• Members attending must comply with policies 330.0 and 331.0

• A temporary shift change to accommodate academic study may be considered if a member is assigned to a shift-oriented job function and has satisfactory work performance

• Members desiring to change shifts must submit a memorandum demonstrating valid need, and requests are considered on a case-by-case basis and are not automatically approved

• Shift changes will be on the condition that the shift change will not exceed one academic semester per twelve month period, and that the Sheriff's Office can reverse the change at any time due to operational issues, and that expenses are a matter between the member and the education intuition

• If the member discontinues the class, they must immediately notify his/her Major detail the discontinuation in a memorandum

Training Authorization Reimbursement

• For off-duty courses, members bear their own time and expense, but see Policy 304.0 for college courses regarding educational assitance

• For on-duty courses, members submit a Training Authorization and Reimbursement Request (SO-03-65) for course registration and per diem/hotel/air/rental expenses to the Training Unit Supervisor via chain of command with all brochures and registration forms attached

• Supervisors determine if the member is qualified for the course and if it benefits the Sheriff’s Office, and the Chief Deputy makes the final determination based on funds

• Supervisors denying the request must document the reason on the form (SO-03-05) and return it

• The Training Unit processes approved requests, registers the member, and sends a confirmation email

• The agency pays travel expenses and per diem, as set by the U.S. General Services Administration (see Policy 365.0)

• Books and other related expenses are paid upon approval of the member’s chain of command and the Training Unit Supervisor

• Per diem shall not be provided if omitted from the Training Authorization and Reimbursement Request (SO-03-65)

• The member's Major determines whether the member will require lodging or commute to the training center

• Within five working days of course completion, members are responsible for submitting a completed Travel Expense Voucher (SO-06-148) via the chain of command to Finance Section

Training for Non-Agency Personnel

• Non-agency personnel may request to attend training given by the Sheriff's Office if there is room after agency members have registered
• A letter must be submitted to the Sheriff stating the reason for the training
• This provision may be waived for training given and hosted by other entities
• Non-agency personnel must supply any required equipment/supplies and pay all class costs
• Attendees need to be a current/former law enforcement officer approved by his/her Sheriff/Chief of Police or designee