HomeMy WebLinkAbout33A - training and Career Development - 2019
Policy & Procedure Page 1 of 17
Lexington Police
Department
Subject:
Training & Career Development
Policy Number:
33A Accreditation Standards:
Reference: 1.3.11; 1.3.12; 16.3.6; 33.1.2; 33.1.3; 33.1.4;
33.1.5; 33.1.6; 33.1.7; 33.2.4; 33.4.1; 33.4.3; 33.5.1; 33.5.2;
33.5.3; 33.5.4; 33.6.1; 33.6.2; 33.7.1; 33.7.2; 33.8.2; 35.1.1;
41.1.2; 46.2.2; 46.2.3; 46.2.4
Effective Date:
12/9/15
New
Revised
Revision
Dates:
1/24/19
By Order of: Mark J. Corr, Chief of Police
The Municipal Police Institute, Inc. (MPI) is a private, nonprofit charitable affiliate of the
Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association. MPI provides training and model policies and
procedures for police agencies. This policy is an edited version of MPI Policy 4.17 “Training
and Career Development”
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS AND GUIDELINES
Training has often been cited as one of the most important responsibilities of 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. Moreover, law enforcement agencies
are now being held legally accountable for the actions of their personnel and for failing
to provide initial or updated in-service training. A well trained agency also helps the
Department meet its goals and objectives.
Career development is a structured process that is utilized by this department to provide
opportunities for individual growth and development at all levels. It is designed to
promote productive, efficient, and effective job performance and to improve the overall
level of individual job satisfaction.
It is the policy of The Lexington Police Department to:
1. Provide, or make available as resources allow, training in all areas of
policing that will benefit both the Department and its employees;
2. Provide a program of career development where employees can be
counseled and discuss their future with the organization.
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PROCEDURES
A. Definitions
1. Training Supervisor: The Captain of Administration is designated by the
Chief of Police as the Training Supervisor.
2. Training Unit: The Captain of Administration, and any other staff assigned
to train or arranging training for, the members of the Department.
B. Training Function
1. The Captain of Administration shall:
a. Offer or make available training in all areas of policing that will benefit
both the Department and its employees;
b. Seek employee input as to what training is desirable or necessary;
c. Encourage all employees to attend training courses in areas of interest
to them, as well as those areas that are mandated by law;
d. Keep all employees informed of changes in statute or case law, the
court system, the criminal justice system, current threats, trends, and
department policies and procedures.
NOTE: It will be the responsibility of all employees to remain current in
and informed of changes in all of the above-mentioned areas.
e. Update employee’s training histories in the computer as well as
document training in the training records.
2. Program Development: The Department will use the following resources in
program development:
i. Inspection reports;
ii. Staff reports and/or meetings;
iii. Consultation with field personnel and field observations;
iv. Officer surveys;
v. Training evaluations;
vi. Training deficiencies discovered through internal affairs
investigations; and
vii. Suggestions and recommendations by the Chief of Police and
others.
3. Lesson Plans [33.1.7]
a. All training conducted by Department personnel shall have a lesson
plan.
b. The lesson plan format must meet Municipal Police Training Committee
guidelines and must include:
i. A statement of performance and job-related objectives; [33.1.4(a)]
ii. The content of the training and specification of the appropriate
instructional techniques; [33.1.4(b)] and
iii. Identification of any tests used in the training process. [33.1.4(d)]
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c. All lesson plans and testing materials shall be submitted to the Captain
of Administration to be reviewed and approved. [33.1.4(c)]
d. Instructors (as opposed to training contractors) enlisted from outside
the Department will also be required to submit copies of their lesson
plans and a resume, and will be subject to review by the Captain of
Administration.
e. The Training File will be used to store lesson plans for approved
Department training.
4. Training Instructors
a. Employees wishing to be training instructors in given disciplines must
submit such request in writing to the Captain of Administration, who
will evaluate the need and present the request and recommendations
to the Chief of Police.
b. Employees selected to be training instructors for topics requiring
instructor training or certification shall receive such training or
certification prior to training other employees. The instructors must
attend refresher training as necessary to maintain their certification.
Such topics include but not be limited to:
i. Defensive Tactics Instructor;
ii. Breath Test Operator Instructor;
iii. Motorcycle Instructor;
iv. Weapons Instructor (any kind) and;
v. CPR/First Responder.
c. All instructors must have received training or possess skills on the
subject which would deem them proficient in the topic.
d. Instructors (as opposed to training contractors) enlisted from agencies
outside the Department must meet all requirements of Department
instructors.
e. The Training File will be used to store the instructor certificates for
approved Department training.
5. Training course Records
a. Records of training instructed by Department employees shall
include the following:
i. Lesson Plan; [33.1.7(a)]
ii. Attendance Sheet; [33.1.7(b)] and
iii. Performance or test results, if applicable. [33.1.7(c)]
b. Training records shall be filed and maintained by the Captain of
Administration in the Training File.
6. Employee Training Records [33.1.6]
a. When a member attends any training program, [s]he will submit to
the Captain of Administration a copy of any certificate received.
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b. The Captain of Administration and the Office Manager shall
document and file the training records. It is important to require
annual certifications generated by Department to be subject to an
administrative review.
c. With the exception of court discovery, no training records will be
released without approval from the Chief of Police.
C. Requesting Training
1. Generally: Any employee wishing to attend training shall submit a request
through the chain of command. This training request shall include the
course name, meeting date, cost, and location.
2. Training Schedule Sources
a. Schedules of upcoming training programs will be forwarded to
affected personnel. Approval of the course will be based on the
needs of the department as well as the employee's goals, objectives,
abilities and field of expertise.
b. Schedules of training programs offered by other approved agencies,
such as the Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee,
Municipal Police Institute, shall be promptly posted and available to
all officers when possible.
c. Other training course schedules are available on-line.
D. Attending Training
1. Assigned Training: In cases where employees are assigned to training by the
Department, the training will be done at the expense of the Department.
i. Hours
ii. If an employee is assigned during a working day, it shall be
considered a part of the employee’s tour of duty.
iii. If an employee is assigned on a day off, [s]he shall be compensated
according to collective bargaining agreement options in place at that
time.
iv. Tuition and fees shall be paid by the Department.
2. Voluntary Training: If an employee wants to volunteer for training, [s]he will
submit a written request through the chain of command for approval by the
Chief, enclosing all supportive material available describing the course. This
will be for non-mandatory courses, such as those the officer takes for personal
enrichment and possible future career advancement.
a. The decision to send an employee to voluntary training will be based
upon several factors including benefit for the Department, cost, ability
to backfill any open positions created by the training.
b. When said requests are granted, employees attending training during
a regularly scheduled work day shall be considered as on regular
tour of duty.
c. If the training scheduled is during what would normally be a day off,
then the training shall be on the employee’s own time.
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d. Tuition and fees may be paid at the discretion of the Chief of Police,
or may be the responsibility of the employee given the voluntary
nature of the training.
3. Training Related Expenses [33.1.3]
a. With attention to existing Collective Bargaining Agreements,
employees may receive other reimbursements for training-related
expenses. Expenses must be authorized by a supervisor prior to final
arrangements being made, and will be in compliance with CBA’S and
or Administrative Directive Such reimbursements may include:
i. Mileage;
ii. Meals;
iii. Overnight accommodations; and
iv. Airfare.
b. Original receipts for approved expenses must be submitted to the
Office Manager for processing. Meal receipts must be itemized.
c. Voluntary training: Expenses for travel, meals and other
accommodations will be the responsibility of the employee. The
Chief of Police, absent special circumstances, will not authorize
expenses that would not be incurred if the training was held locally
unless specifically addressed in town policy or in a collective
bargaining agreement.
d. After completing training each employee must complete a “Town of
Lexington Police Department Reimbursement Form” and submit it to
the Captain of Administration in order to get reimbursed for pre-
approved expenses.
4. Attendance [33.1.2]
a. Generally
i. All employees assigned to a training program must report at the
time and location specified, with the proper material and
equipment necessary to complete the course.
(a) A copy of an attendance certificate shall be proof of
attendance.
(b) An employee reporting late will be carried as late for a
tour of duty. An employee not reporting to a scheduled
training session will be considered missing a tour of
duty.
ii. Scheduling Conflict:
(a) When a scheduling conflict arises, the employee
involved shall notify both the Supervisor overseeing the
training and the Shift Commander upon discovering the
conflict.
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(b) The schedule may then be modified so as to resolve the
conflict with court appearances taking precedence.
(c) Make-up for missed training time will be addressed
case by case, depending upon the subject matter,
intensity and duration of training.
b. Department- Sponsored Training
i. Documented attendance is required for all Department-
sponsored training.
ii. Attendance of in-house training sessions will be taken at the
start of the training.
iii. Attendance sheets will be filed with other training materials for
the class, and included in employee training history.
E. All Employees
1. Accreditation Training: Department members shall receive information
regarding the accreditation process.
a. Newly hired personnel will receive information within thirty days after
their employment begins or within thirty days of completing the recruit
academy. [33.5.3(a)]
b. All Department members will receive information during the self-
assessment phase associated with achieving initial
accreditation/certification and each re-accreditation/re-certification.
[33.5.3(b)]
c. All Department members will receive information just prior to an on-site
assessment associated with initial accreditation/certification and each
re-accreditation/re-certification. [33.5.3(c)]
d. All Department members assigned to the position of accreditation
manager shall receive specialized accreditation manager training. For
more information, see also Department policy 12B – The Directive
System.
2. Training for newly promoted employees [33.8.2]
a. Generally: All newly appointed employees shall obtain training in their
supervisory duties.
b. Sworn Supervisors
i. Newly promoted supervisory officers will be sent to supervisory-
specific training offered either by the Commonwealth’s Municipal
Police Training Committee (MPTC) or another comparable
institution or agency as soon as feasible.i
ii. All supervisors will receive refresher training in the various
aspects of supervision and management during in-service
training and/or when offered by outside agencies.
iii. All newly promoted sworn supervisors shall receive the following
training as soon as practicable:
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(a) Suicide prevention;ii
(b) On-the-job training by an officer of superior rank or a
senior officer of equivalent rank;
(c) Operation of the Holding Facility (Sergeants and
Lieutenants) (See Department policy 72E - Holding
Facility).
(d) Aspects of the computer system used for employee time
management, report review, etc.
(e) Training in role and responsibilities as Rater for
performance evaluation and reviews. [35.1.1]
(f) Familiarization with how to back-up and reboot computer
databases;
(g) Police station facility systems: heat and air conditioning,
cameras, lighting,
(h) Certification with software programs used in the dispatch
center such as E-911, Emergency Medical Dispatch, etc.
(i) Other training that may of benefit to the position
F. Civilian Employee Training Requirements
1. As part of orientation, the Department will provide every employee with
general information relative to benefits (with the assistance of the Town
Human Resources Department). Civilian employees in the Department will
have access to a copy of the Department's manual of policies, procedures,
rules and regulations, and will be advised of the specific areas that affect their
positions. All newly appointed civilian personnel shall receive information
regarding: [33.7.1]
a. The Departments role, goals, purpose, policy & procedures; [33.7.1(a)]
b. The Department’s working conditions and regulations; [33.7.1(b)]
c. Knowledge of responsibilities and rights of the employee; [33.7.1(c)] a
d. Sexual harassment.
2. Job Specific Training
a. 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]
b. Dispatchers:
i. E9-1-1 Operations;
ii. Law Enforcement Administrative Processing System (LEAPS)
Certification (Bi-annual);
iii. Suicide Prevention; and
iv. Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI)
v. Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD)
c. Records Clerks:
i. Public Records; and
ii. Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI)
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d. Animal Control Officer:
i. Animal Control Policies; and
ii. Training with equipment used
iii. CPR / First Aid
e. Crossing Guards:
i. Traffic Direction training
ii. CPR / First Aid training
3. If the conduct or capacity of a probationary employee or the character or
quality of the work performed by him/her is not satisfactory, a supervisor may
give such a person a written notice stating in detail the particulars wherein
his/her conduct or capacity or the character or quality of his/her work is not
satisfactory. If retraining and / or discipline and review by the Captain of
Administration and Chief have not resulted in improvement to an acceptable
level, his/her service shall terminate.iii
4. If a probationary employee is unable to work because of illness during the
probationary period, the appointing authority may postpone the probationary
period. Upon resuming to employment, the probationary employee shall be
required to perform service equal to a full probationary period. iv
G. Training Requirements for Sworn Officers
1. Roll-Call [33.5.2]
a. Roll-call shall be attended each shift by:
i. Officers assigned to patrol;
ii. Dispatchers (when possible);
iii. Detectives (for info sharing when needed, and whenever
possible); and
iv. Others (as needed).
b. Roll Call training is an integral part of the Department’s training
function. Not only are employees updated with information affecting
patrol activity and unusual circumstances, but such training is also
an effective way of keeping officers current with changes in law,
policies and procedures or as review sessions for other training
areas.
i. Roll-call will be conducted at the beginning of each shift. [41.1.2]
(a) The officer in charge of the shift and patrol supervisor
will conduct roll call.
(b) Roll-call briefing information will be made available to
persons not assigned to normal shift hours.
(c) The briefing should include patrol assignments, recent
incidents and BOLOs (“be on the lookout”), officer safety
concerns, wanted persons, recent crimes, etc.
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ii. Training during Roll Call shall also be conducted whenever
possible.
(a) This training will include the reading of policies,
procedures, regulations, and/or training briefs or the
briefing of changes in law, statutes, ordinances, court
decisions and/or technological developments affecting
the operation of the department.
(b) All Roll-Call programs should include a brief
discussion on the training material being presented
or reviewed in order to ensure comprehension by all
officers.
(c) Roll-Call training shall be documented by the supervisor
conducting such training. The documentation shall
include:
i) Date of training;
ii) Training topic; and
iii) Attendance.
(d) Roll-Call training documentation shall be forwarded to the
Captain of Administration and included in the officer’s
personnel file.
2. Mandatory Training for Police Officers
a. Department Responsibility: Certain areas of police work require
continuous training. The Department will:
i. Provide mandatory training in each of these areas and ensure
that all officers meet or exceed the minimum acceptable
standards.
ii. Set a level of proficiency required to achieve minimum
acceptable standards, unless superseded by law or by another
authoritative body; and
iii. Provide for training by using training providers outside of the
department. Officers attending such training must meet the
standards set by those training providers.
b. Mandatory Training: The following annual refresher re-training is
mandatory & will be attended by all officers as noted:[33.5.1] [1.3.11]
i. Firearms Training: All personnel authorized to carry firearms
must attend and successfully complete annual firearms training
and certification. This training shall incorporate Department
policy 41B -Use of Force. [16.3.6]
ii. First Responder Training: First responder training will be held
not less than annually. All members will be certified every three
years.iv
iii. C.P.R. Training: All members will be trained & certified annually.
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iv. In-Service Training: All sworn members will be scheduled for
In-Service Training at least on a yearly basis online and at
regional academies, as prescribed by the Department and the
Municipal Police Training Committee.
(a) Legal Updates (as required by M.G.L. C41 S96B);v
(b) CPR;
(c) First Responder;
(d) Defensive Tactics (weaponless control techniques); and
(e) Use of Force (lethal and non-lethal).
c. Whenever a new officer is hired, or when veteran officers are issued
a new and/or different weapon, whether it be lethal, less lethal or
non-lethal, and a copy of policy 41B – Use of Force, shall be issued
to the officer who is obligated to acknowledge receipt and read the
policy. Records shall be kept in the training file in the Chief’s
Office. [1.3.12]
3. In-house Training: Other in-house training programs will be implemented and
scheduled as needed for any or all affected personnel.
4. Remedial Training [33.1.5]
a. Remedial training will be available for any mandatory training that
requires meeting set standards to achieve certification or
qualification.
b. A reasonable period of remedial training will be provided by the
Department to assist a member having a problem meeting the
required minimum standards of performance acceptable in that
specific area. If a member needs further intensive retraining, the
Supervisor / Instructor may make arrangements with the member for
such training.
NOTE: If deficient performance has been identified as a result of the
disciplinary process, remedial training may be used to correct those
deficiencies in lieu of punitive sanctions.
H. Specialized Training
1. Generally [33.6.1(a) (b)]
a. Police Officers selected for a special unit or to perform a function that
requires specialized training shall receive such training on the job or
through formal training classes.
b. The following training or certifications must be obtained prior to
performing the following functions, with periodic retraining as
required:
i. Weapons Instructor (any kind): Must successfully complete
requirements of at minimum MPTC Level 1 Firearms Instructor
80 hour course.
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ii. Defensive Tactics Instructor: Must successfully complete
requirements of MPTC Defensive Tactics Instructor 12 day
course.
iii. Breath Test Operator (Bi-annual recertification): Must
successfully complete operator training as specified by the Office
of Alcohol Testing;
iv. Law Enforcement Administrative Processing System (LEAPS)
Operator (Bi-annual recertification): Must be certified to level of
use. Training and testing conducted in house using Criminal
Justice Information System (CJIS) training and testing materials;
v. E9-1-1 Operator: Must successfully complete training as required
by the Statewide Emergency Telecommunication Board;
vi. Bicycle Patrol: Must successfully complete C.O.B.W.E.B
Mountain Bike 3 day training.
vii. Sexual Assault Investigator: Must successfully complete the 40
hour training required by the Municipal Police Training
Committee
c. The following job functions must obtain specialized training as soon
as possible from date of assignment:
i. Detective: Must successfully complete NEMLEC 72 hour
Criminal Investigator course/40 hour fingerprint course
ii. Accreditation Manager
2. Accreditation Manager: The Accreditation Manager and assistant(s) shall be
trained in the requirements of those roles as required by the Massachusetts
Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC) within one year of appointed. [33.5.4]
a. The Accreditation Manager shall attend manager training offered by
Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC).
b. The Accreditation Manager should attend the yearly accreditation
conferences as offered by MPAC or insure being current otherwise if
this is not possible.
.
I. Sworn Officer Recruit Training
1. Basic Recruit Academy [33.4.1]
a. All newly appointed Student Officers will successfully complete a
Recruit Training course, as mandated by Mass. Gen. Law, Chapter
41, section 96B.
b. Training must be completed prior to the employee’s performing the
duties of a police officer, including being allowed to carry a weapon
and/or make an arrest (except as part of a formal field training
program). The training academy will be one operated or approved by
the Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC).
i. While attending the basic academy, all student officers will be
bound by the policies, procedures, rules and regulations of that
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academy as well as the policies, procedures, rules and
regulations of the police department.
c. Upon successful completion of basic recruit training, new officers
must complete a 10-12 week field training program and a one-year
probationary period.vi
2. Employee Status
a. During this training period, candidates are classified as student
officers.
b. Under MGL c. 41, s. 96B, student officers are not subject to Civil
Service– M.G.L. c.31, collective bargaining agreements, or injured on
duty benefits, rather, workman’s compensation under M.G.L. 152.vii
3. Academy Waivers: Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 41 §96B, the MPTC may issue a
waiver of the training academy on a permanent or temporary basis.
a. Advisory Opinions for Permanent Exemptions from Academy
Training
i. A person who has been employed as a municipal police officer in
another state and is being hired in Massachusetts may qualify for
a Permanent Exemption from recruit training. The candidate may
request an advisory letter from the Municipal Police Training
Committee. The candidate must submit the following documents
to the Exemptions Coordinator:
(a) A copy of the Basic Recruit Curriculum of the academy
attended;
(b) Breakdown of course titles and course hours;
(c) Total hours of curriculum;
(d) A copy of the graduation certificate; and
(e) A current resume.
ii. An advisory letter will be provided to the transferring police
officer and will contain a statement that would suggest a
favorable or unfavorable Permanent Exemption.
b. Permanent Exemption from Academy Training
i. When a person from out-of-state has been hired by a
Massachusetts municipal police department on a full-time basis
and has successfully completed a Basic Recruit program in that
state, that person may be qualified for a Permanent Exemption
from a Massachusetts training academy.
ii. An application for a Permanent Exemption must be filed by the
appointing authority and must include the following documents:
(a) Current certification in CPR and First Aid;
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(b) Current qualification in use of firearms by an MPTC certified
firearms instructor;
(c) Successful completion of a MPTC criminal law exam;
(d) Certificate of completion of Basic Recruit Training; and
(e) A current resume.
c. Temporary Exemption: A temporary exemption may be granted for a
period not to exceed 270 days, or until the start date of the next
available academy session, whichever occurs sooner. A temporary
exemption may be granted as the result of a documented public
safety emergency or other exigent circumstances. An application
must be submitted by the appointing authority and must be
accompanied by the following documents:
i. Current certification in CPR and First Aid;
ii. Current qualification in use of firearms by an MPTC certified
firearms instructor;
iii. Successful completion of a MPTC criminal law exam;
iv. Successful completion of the training requirements for persons
appointed as reserve or intermittent police officers;
v. Current resume; and
vi. Nature of public safety emergency or other exigent
circumstances.
4. Field Training Program [33.4.3]
a. New officers must successfully complete an in-house field training
program.
b. The Field Training Supervisor shall manage the field training program
and oversee:
i. Training and in-service training of field training officers, which
must be completed prior to being assigned as a field training
officer (FTO). [33.4.3(e)]
ii. Rotation of recruit assignments; and
iii. Development, implementation and evaluation of the field training
program.
iv. The Field Training Supervisor shall be the academy liaison, as
applicable. [33.4.3(d)]
c. Recruit field training
i. Upon completion of the recruit academy, the officer will enter the
field training/evaluation program with designated field training
officers. The probationary officer will apply the lessons of the
academy to situations in the field under the tutelage of the field
training officer (FTO).
ii. During field training, probationary officers shall receive training in
Department-specific materials, including: [33.2.4]
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a) Policies and procedures; and
b) Rules and regulations.
iii. Each Probationary Officer will then begin a ten- to twelve-week
field training/evaluation program with designated FTO’s.
Probationary Officers with prior police or Lexington experience
may receive credit for prior service toward their field training.
[33.4.3(a)]
iv. The Probationary Officer will rotate his/her field training
assignment between at least two different FTO’s. [33.4.3(f)]
v. The FTO’s evaluation of the Probationary Officer shall be
documented, with daily and weekly observation reports covering
the wide range of police activities and interactions.
vi. After the supervisory phase of field training, the evaluation
program will continue through the use of quarterly evaluations
filled out by the probationary officer's supervisors.
vii. Recruit officers time assigned to FTO may be extended if it is
determined that the recruit is not ready for solo patrol and would
benefit from additional training.
d. Field Training Officers
i. The Field Training Officers (FTO’s) will be selected by the Chief
of Police or designee based on the needs of the Department and
on the overall job-related qualifications of the prospective FTO.
Candidates must possess a strong job knowledge and skills in
the following areas:[33.4.3(b)]
(a) Application of law;
(b) Police Procedures;
(c) Tactics;
(d) Department policy and procedure;
(e) Report writing;
(f) Interpersonal relations; and
(g) Chain of command.
ii. All Department supervisory personnel assigned to patrol, and
officers designated as Field Training Officers, will conduct
training in accordance with the manual issued to the Field
Training Supervisor and Field Training Officers.
iii. FTO’s will be under the operational supervision of the
Commanding Officer or other superior officer designated by the
Chief. [33.4.3(c)]
iv. Field Training Officers will evaluate each recruit officer's
performance in the various activities that they will meet as police
officers, according to guidelines set forth in the Field Training
Program. [33.4.3(g)]
v. FTO’s shall submit training reports as specified in the Field
Training Program. [33.4.3(h)]
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J. Specialty Teams and Positions
1. Generally: When space(s) on specialty teams or other position(s) becomes
available, they shall be posted for interested employees to apply. The notice
shall include:
a. Identification of the team or position;
b. Minimum qualifications;
c. A description of duties;
d. Information on where to apply; and
e. Closing date for applications.
2. Tactical Team (North Eastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council)
a. Selection [46.2.2]
i. Qualifications: Applicants must meet the qualifications posted at
the time personnel are being sought.
b. Equipment Requirements
i. Specialized equipment for tactical team members is provided by
the Department. [46.2.3]
ii. Specialized equipment includes:
(a) Weapons;
(b) Uniforms;
(c) Body armor;
(d) Helmet; and
(e) Radio equipment.
iii. Make, model, type of weapons and gear will be determined by
the specialized team.
c. Training
i. Tactical teams are infrequently used, but when they are called into
service, the risks involved to life and property are high. The
expectation of a successful operation must also be high. The skills
and experiences of tactical team’s members should be practiced
and trained as much as possible as not to allow the skills to become
perishable if not exercised.
ii. Team membership is conditional upon the new members’
successfully completing initial training as soon as feasible.
iii. The team shall participate in readiness exercises, and training shall
be conducted frequently, as determined by the Chief in consultation
with the tactical team leader. Training shall include: [33.6.2]
(a) Physical conditioning;
(b) Individual training for specific team member skills;
(c) Team training and scenarios;
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Policy & Procedure Page 16 of 17
(d) Operational simulations; and
(e) Training with other resources (e.g., K9, hostage negotiator, other
tactical teams, etc.).
K. Conflicting Training Presentations
1. In order to address a broad training audience, many training presentations are
generic in nature. All officers should be mindful that a training presentation
usually provides only one perspective on the handling of a given situation.
Previous training and experience, Department policy, and local, state, and
federal laws must be taken into consideration where applicable.
2. In cases where an officer believes that training received is in conflict with any
of the above, [s]he should confer with the instructor, his/her supervisor, or the
Captain of Administration.
3. An officer shall follow Department policies, procedures, or any such laws in all
cases where training that is received is in actual conflict with any of them.
4. In all cases of actual conflict, the officer making such discovery shall
immediately submit a written report on the matter to the Supervisor of Training.
L. Career Development: It is important to the Department that officers have fulfilling
and complete careers. This may have a different meaning, with a different goal
for each officer, but ultimately goals should be set to strive for and through
proper and consistent coaching and guiding, those goals may be attainable.
1. Officers should consider short term and long term goals as to where they see
their role with the Department in the future years. Department opportunities
are positions such as: Detective (major case), a Detective specialty such as
family services, or school resource officer, Sergeant (Prosecutor), Lieutenant
(Detective), Captain or Chief. Examples of other non-promotional positions
would be Field Training Officer, Range Officer, and Background Investigator.
2. Officers should sit down with a superior officer of their choice once every 2
years and discuss the officer’s current position and path the officer wishes to
take in their career. Discussion with that superior officer may provide that
officer with actions they should take or may take to improve his/her chances of
meeting their career goal(s).
a. The superior officer of choice may be considered a “career coach,” or
“career counselor.”
b. SMART goals should be discussed and mutually agreed upon at this
meeting. SMART goals stand for:
• Simple
• Measurable
• Attainable
• Realistic/Relevant
• Time-Sensitive
c. The meeting should be documented for the purposes of sharing with
the officer’s supervisors (if different than the chosen career
counselor) to help identify performance issues or any potential
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training opportunities that may further the officer toward goals set.
This should not be used for any type of disciplinary action.
d. During the annual review, these goals should be reviewed between
the officer and his/her supervisor(s) to see progress made toward
reaching these goals. (See Department policy 35A - Performance
Evaluations).
3. Any training opportunities that are identified that may assist the officer in
achieving their goals should be forwarded to the Captain of Administration.
i M.G.L. c. 41, §96B.
ii M.G.L. c. 40, §36C.
iii Endnote also applies to Civil Service M.G.L. c. 31, §34.
iv M.G.L. c.111, §201.
v M.G.L. c. 41, §96B.
vi M.G.L. c. 31, §34.
vii M.G.L. c. 41, §96B.