APD.SOP.2080 Training

The Atlanta Police Department shall provide or make available to employees training which is required by Georgia POST, the City of Atlanta, and the Department, as well as any other training necessary, to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the Department. The Department shall seek to provide training to allow employees to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide a safe and secure environment for the City of Atlanta.

3. RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1 The Training Unit Commander is responsible for all training conducted within the Department or on behalf of the Department, for the effective delivery of training, and for the operation, organization, and staffing of the Department's training facilities. He or she shall designate a subordinate as the Field Training Coordinator.

3.2 Bureau, division, and section commanders shall implement this directive within their command and ensure that employees are familiar with it.

3.3 The Training Committee is responsible for acting as an advisory board for the development of training and training programs.

3.4 Supervisors shall implement this directive within their command and assist in providing employees with training and training opportunities that shall improve job performance.

3.5 Instructors of the Department shall comply with this directive. All POST certified instructors within the Department shall coordinate their job related teaching activities with the Training Unit. This includes all training conducted within the Department and outside the Department.

3.6 Employees are responsible for complying with this directive and are expected to seek out training opportunities, and participate fully in approved training activities, in order to maximize the benefits from them. Employees must follow the procedures established by the Department and the Training Unit commander for training and related activities as well as procedures established by the Training Unit commander for the use of the Department's training facilities.

4. ACTION

4.1 Training Academy

4.1.1 The Herbert T. Jenkins Atlanta Police Academy provides, and is responsible for, Georgia POST basic training for recruits of the Atlanta Police Department, as well as specialized, in-service, and any other training for Atlanta Police Department employees. The goal of the Academy is to provide the training necessary for employees to acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities that shall enable the Department to provide a safe and secure environment for citizens.

4.1.2 The Training Unit commander shall develop written documents outlining operational and administrative requirements of the training facilities, including the following:

1. Annual report, to include but not limited to the following:

a. Annual use of force training;

b. Annual qualification (lethal weapons);

c. Biennial less than lethal weapons training;

d. Use of Force reports analysis; and

2. Organization;

3. Staffing;

4. Administrative procedures; and

5. Operating procedures.

4.2 Training Committee

(CALEA 5^th ed. standard 33.1.1)

4.2.1 The Training committee shall assist in the development and evaluation of training needs for the Department. The Training Committee shall act in advisory capacity for the development of training programs and make recommendations to the Training Unit commander.

4.2.2 The Training Unit commander shall serve as chair of the Training Committee. The committee shall be comprised of at least four other people from within the Department. The CID, FOD, and SSD commanders shall be responsible for appointing at least one member from their respective commands to serve on the Training Committee. The Training Unit commander may also ask other persons, including experts from outside the Department, to serve on the committee. Members shall serve one-year terms, with the exception of the chair. No more than one half of the committee may be replaced in a calendar year. If a member resigns or otherwise leaves the committee, the chair shall ensure a suitable replacement is named.

4.2.3 The Training Committee shall meet at least two times each year, at dates and times determined by the Training Unit commander. The responsibilities of the committee at the meetings shall include: a review of the recruit training program; a review of specialized training opportunities; evaluating police training and educational needs of the Department; evaluation of teaching methods; review of computer skills; remedial training; and any other areas of concern.

4.2.4 The Training Unit commander shall be responsible for reviewing the findings and recommendations of the Training Committee and taking any necessary and appropriate action as it concerns the training needs of the Department. The Training Unit commander is also responsible for reporting the findings and recommendations of the Training Committee to the Chief of Police or his or her designee.

4.2.5 The Training Unit commander shall conduct mandatory, in-person training for all sworn employees on criminal procedures (ex. Search and Seizure, Arrest Procedures and Work Rule policies) biannually.

4.3 Recruit Training

(CALEA 5^th ed. standards 33.4.1, 33.4.2)

4.3.1 All sworn police officers must be current P.O.S.T certified peace officers in the State of Georgia and shall have satisfactorily completed the prescribed course of training at the Atlanta Police Academy before assuming the duties of a police officer and being authorized to carry a firearm or make an arrest in a police capacity.

4.3.2 At the beginning of recruit training, all recruits shall be given the Basic Law Enforcement Training Manual, which describes the Academy Training program and the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of the Academy.

4.3.3 The Academy program includes a curriculum based on a job task analysis of the most frequently performed assignments of police officers. Academy training shall follow the Georgia POST mandated curriculum needed for police officer basic certification, in addition to any training required by the Atlanta Police Department.

4.3.4 If a person was hired as a Lateral Entry Police Academy candidate, the minimum training requirements are: for Georgia POST qualified candidates, the training shall consist of a minimum of 76 hours of Georgia POST Training and a minimum of 134 hours of Department training; for candidates with equivalent certification from another state, the training shall consist of a minimum of 200 hours of Georgia POST training and 134 hours of Department training. The Training Unit commander may adjust these hours to meet POST and Departmental requirements.

4.3.5 The Academy shall use a variety of evaluation techniques designed to measure the competency of recruits as it concerns required knowledge, skills, and abilities of police officers. Such evaluation techniques shall include, but are not limited to: written examinations, oral examinations, physical ability and agility tests, practical exercises, and other techniques deemed appropriate by the Training Unit commander. The Academy staff shall continually supervise recruit training and, on at least a weekly basis, evaluate and monitor the recruits performance and progress.

1. Each mandate class coordinator with another Academy trainer or supervisor shall meet with each recruit officer at least three times during the mandate training program to review the recruit’s progress.

4.3.6 At the beginning of each Basic Mandate Training Course, each student shall be issued a blank Basic Law Enforcement Training Course (BLETC) Evaluation booklet to be completed after receiving the instruction of each class. Students shall not be required to identify themselves on the evaluation form and each class coordinator shall give the students sufficient time to complete the evaluation after each block of instruction. The class coordinator shall collect each completed evaluation booklet at the very end of the BLETC program and compile a summary sheet based on the scores and recommendations indicated on the evaluation booklets. Within five days of the completion of the BLETC the class coordinator and Recruit Unit supervisor shall review the evaluations, note overall scores and areas for improvements or exceptional performance in a summary sheet which must be submitted to the Academy Director in a timely manner. The student evaluation process shall be used as a tool to assess the effectiveness of training methods, classes and instructors.

4.4 Field Training Program

(CALEA 5^th ed. standard 33.4.3)

4.4.1 Following successful completion of the required Recruit Training Program, all recruits must satisfactorily complete the Field Training Program before graduating from the Academy. The Field Training Program is designed to provide recruits with practical experience to supplement their classroom training. The Field Training Program shall consist of a minimum of four weeks, but generally 12 weeks of field training with a rotation of recruit field assignments every three weeks.

4.4.2 The Field Training Coordinator shall oversee the Field Training Program and act as a liaison between the Field Training Officers and the Training Unit. The Field Training Coordinator shall ensure that the Class Coordinator develops a field training assignment schedule for each recruit class before the Recruits have completed their academic training. The Field Training Coordinator shall ensure that copies are sent to all watch commanders, Field Training Officers, the Field Operations Division, the Communication Section, and the Personnel Services Unit.

4.4.3 At the end of the classroom portion of basic training, the Field Training Coordinator shall ensure that the Class Coordinator provides each newly sworn officer a copy of their individual Rook Book, the field training assignment schedule and shall explain the Academy rules governing the Field Training Program, to include the following areas: reporting time; off days; sick time; compensatory time; conduct; Department rules and regulations; and evaluation forms.

4.4.4 The Field Training Coordinator is the liaison to monitor each recruit's field training program and make recommendations to the Training Unit commander regarding the recruit's ability to perform the job of police officer. Each trainee shall be issued a Rook Book that he or she is responsible for maintaining and shall serve as the permanent copy of their field training experience.

4.4.5 The trainee shall report to his or her assignment(s) promptly, with his/her Rook Book and all necessary equipment, prepared to perform the duties of a police officer. Trainees must report to the Academy every two weeks with his/her Rook Book to be reviewed and signed off on by the Class coordinator. Any deficiencies in any areas shall be reviewed by the Class coordinator and remedial training and/or other corrective actions shall be required when necessary. Trainees shall have the same off days as their Field Training Officers. The trainee shall not take vacation or any other time off except regularly scheduled off days. He or she shall notify the Field Training Coordinator and the watch commander of any need to take time off for emergencies during field training. The trainee shall not work any extra jobs while in field training.

4.4.6 Field Training Officers (FTO)

1. Only police officers who have received Field Training Officer training (which includes all Senior Patrol Officers) and have been designated as an FTO shall be assigned a trainee as part of the Field Training Program. If an SPO or FTO is not available, the acting supervisor will select an officer who is the most qualified to assume the FTO or SPO responsibilities.

2. The Department’s Training Unit commander shall select FTO’s for the Field Training Program based on the following: (P.O.S.T., section 464-13-03)

a. Individual attitude, ability, and desire to participate, with an emphasis placed on their ability to motivate, evaluate, and teach.

b. Recommendation by supervisor or commander;

c. Three years minimum sworn service, with a minimum of two years with the Atlanta Police Department;

d. No open O.P.S. complaints;

e. Evaluation of the officer’s response to a field training scenario, the officer’s report writing, and an oral interview;

f. Completion of Field Training Officer Course (40 hours POST credit);

g. Additional annual training to update and enhance their knowledge, skills, and abilities as applicable to the Department’s Field Training Program.

3. FTO’s shall be supervised by their respective watch commanders while on duty and engaged in field training.

4. The FTO shall provide the trainee the opportunity to perform the tasks of a police officer. The FTO shall set a highly professional example as he or she supervises and monitors the actions of the trainee, making corrections as necessary. The FTO shall complete and discuss the daily observation report in the Rook Book with the trainee before the end of each tour of duty. Once the trainee and FTO dates and signs the daily observation report it shall remain in the Rook Book so that the Class coordinator and future FTO’s for this trainee can review the trainee’s progress.

a. The Rook Book becomes part of the trainee’s permanent training record and is maintained at the Academy in his/her training file upon the trainee’s successful completion of the mandate program.

b. The FTO shall make recommendations to the field training coordinator regarding the suitability or inability of the trainee to perform the job of police officer. Suggestions shall be made to the Police Academy that the FTO feels would be beneficial to future recruit classes.

5. Watch commanders shall ensure the hours worked by each trainee is either captured in the Kronos timekeeping system or is recorded on paper and sent to the Academy timekeeper weekly and prior to the end of each pay period. The watch commander shall ensure that an alternate FTO is selected if a regular FTO is not working.

6. At the end of each two-week training period, the trainee shall report to the Academy and review the FTO’s evaluations with his/her class coordinator. Trainees whose performance is less than satisfactory while in field training shall be immediately remediated during the field training program. If their overall performance in the field training program does not improve, then she or he shall be evaluated by the Training Unit Commander for appropriate action.

4.4.7 The trainee shall evaluate the FTO at the end of each two-week training period, using the FTO Evaluation form. The trainee shall complete the FTO Evaluation form, making an honest and objective evaluation of the FTO. The trainee shall not review the FTO evaluation report with the FTO. This report shall be submitted to the class coordinator and field training coordinator at the end of each two-week training period. Any concerns, issues or misconduct reported by the trainee against the FTO shall be reviewed by the Field Training Coordinator for appropriate action.

4.4.8 The Field Training Coordinator shall collect the completed Rook Book at the completion of field training and it becomes a permanent part of each recruit officer's training file.

4.4.9 The field training records shall also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the FTO. The Field Training Coordinator shall determine if the FTO is functioning effectively. If the FTO is not functioning effectively, the Training Unit commander shall take the appropriate action, including additional training, suspension of FTO duties, revocation of FTO certification, or other actions as necessary and appropriate.

4.4.10 The field training program shall be reviewed annually by the Training Unit Commander to determine its effectiveness or if changes need to be made to maintain effectiveness of the training process.

4.5 Specialized Training

(CALEA 5^th ed. standard 33.6.1)

4.5.1 Specialized training shall be provided to sworn and civilian employees for those positions that require or necessitate any training beyond the basic training initially received at the Academy, through the Department, or the City.

4.5.2 Specialized training is designed to develop and/or enhance the skills, knowledge, and abilities specific to that assignment. The type and nature of the training required shall vary based on the specific assignment. Assignments that require specialized training include, but are not limited to: Senior Police Officer, Investigator; SWAT; Red Dog; DUI; Motors; Crime Scene Unit; Mounted Patrol Unit; Canine Team; Hostage Negotiations; Narcotics; Auto Theft Task Force; Communications; Central Records; ID; Property; etc (see APD.SOP.2101 “Specialized and Temporary Assignments”).

4.5.3 Division, section, and unit commanders shall ensure that all employees assigned to positions that require specialized training satisfactorily complete the training requirements for that particular assignment. Failure to complete the specialized training may result in the employee losing his specialized position. The employee may be allowed to re-take and pass the specialized training with the approval of the employee’s division commander and the academy director.

4.5.4 Division, section and unit commanders shall continually assess the training needs of officers in specialized positions. Supervisors shall coordinate the training needs of specialized officers in their units with the Atlanta Police training academy.

4.5.5 Division, section, and unit commanders and supervisors shall provide coaching and on the job training for employees to increase their effectiveness.

4.6 Training Upon Promotion

(CALEA 5^th ed. standard 33.8.2)

4.6.1 The Training Unit shall provide training to all promoted personnel that is commensurate with their new duties. Training for newly promoted personnel shall occur either prior to their promotion or within 12 months following the promotion, dependent on the Department’s training schedule. An employee who fails to attend or pass the promotional training program designated for his/her new position, may be passed over on a promotional list, demoted and/or reassigned from their newly promoted position.

4.7 Civilian Training

(CALEA5^th ed. standards 33.6.1, 33.7.1, 33.7.2)

4.7.1 Newly hired civilian personnel shall receive the appropriate training prior to assuming any job responsibilities, to include at a minimum: orientation to the Department’s role, purpose, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations; working conditions and regulations pertaining to that position; and the rights and responsibilities of employees. Communication dispatchers require pre-service training in accordance with Georgia POST and Departmental requirements.

4.7.2 Civilian employees of the Department shall receive at least 16 hours of training annually in topics designed to update skills, increase knowledge, and enhance abilities for increased efficiency and effectiveness. The Training Unit commander shall be responsible for the scheduling and coordination of this training.

4.7.3 In addition to annual training for all civilian employees, specialized training for civilians shall be provided for appropriate positions as necessary.

4.8 In-service Training

(CALEA 5^th ed. standard 33.5.1)

4.8.1 All sworn employees must complete their annual In-Service Training within the calendar year. The Training Unit commander shall be responsible for the specific training to be provided, to include, but not limited to: Georgia POST requirements, legal updates, policy and procedure updates, firearms qualifications and training; and any other training as necessary and appropriate.

4.8.2 A sworn employee who does not complete their annual In-Service Training may be assigned to a non-enforcement position, be subject to disciplinary action, lose their power of arrest and may be required to pay a fine by the State of Georgia prior to their certification being reinstated.

4.9 Roll Call Training

(CALEA 5^th ed. standard 33.5.2)

4.9.1 Roll Call Training is designed to provide up-to-date information to employees about changes in Department policies, and procedures, as well as to provide notification of any changes in criminal law or other areas that affect Departmental employees or the performance of their duties.

Roll Call Training may also be utilized to provide a refresher or update on policies, procedures, training and areas of concern that the command wants to reemphasize or revitalize.

4.9.2 The Training Unit commander shall prepare and distribute all roll call material, as well as maintain the records of roll call training materials. Roll Call Training may be conducted in lecture form, video-tape, or audio tape and the written Roll Call Training material shall generally be distributed electronically through the Department’s email system and shall be accessible on the Department’s Horizon Intranet Website. Upon receipt of Roll Call Training via email, supervisors shall print out sufficient copies and issue the material to all personnel assigned to them and conduct roll call training sessions to cover the material. On occasion and when necessary, roll call training shall direct bureau, division, or section commanders on the recommended training methods to be employed. If a specific training method is indicated, a summary sheet of the training material shall accompany a lesson plan. Each year during in-service training, the previous year’s Roll Call Trainings shall be reviewed with the students.

4.9.3 Bureau, division, and section commanders are responsible for ensuring the proper presentation of roll call training; the proper documentation of the role call training; and for the completion and the timely return of the Roll Call Training Attendance Sheet and the Roll Call Training evaluation, to the Academy. All commanders shall ensure that all employees under his or her supervision, when absent from any regularly scheduled roll call training session, shall immediately be notified upon returning to duty of their need for Roll Call Training and shall ensure that all employees under his or her supervision who are on loan shall be notified for their roll call training session.

4.9.4 Each employee shall initial the Roll Call Training attendance sheet at the end of the Roll Call Training presentation and upon receipt of the roll call training material. The watch commander shall complete the Roll Call Training attendance sheet indicating each employee’s training. The sheet shall reflect the roll call training number, the subject taught, the training officer/supervisor, the date and time training was administered, the names of the employees, and the employee’s initials. The watch commander shall maintain a file copy of the attendance sheet and shall forward a copy through the chain of command to the division commander and a copy to the Academy no later than 30 days upon completion of the Roll Call Training. Division commanders shall verify that all employees assigned to their respective commands have completed the required roll call training.

4.10 Outside Training

(CALEA 5^th ed. standards 33.2.3, 33.1.3)

4.10.1 The Training Unit commander shall identify, select, and publish information about outside training programs and activities that can develop, refine, and upgrade the skills of employees. This information shall be maintained at the Training Academy.

4.10.2 All requests for outside training must be coordinated through the Training Unit and adhere to the Departmental policy and procedure. Requests for outside training should be submitted at least 30 days before the training is scheduled to begin. Employees who are scheduled for outside training shall follow the procedures established by the agency or organization conducting the training. In particular, they shall report on time and conduct themselves in a professional manner as representatives of the Department.

4.10.3 The Training Academy shall provide all training on Department policies and procedures. An employee who receives outside training that is not consistent with a Departmental policy, procedure, work rule, written directive, etc. shall consult with his or her immediate supervisor and notify the Training Unit commander, via the chain of command. The notification should be in memorandum form and include date, time, place, instructor's name, topic, copies of relevant material, description of the training, and the inconsistencies noted.

4.10.4 An employee who is referred or wishes to participate in an outside training program that does not require the use of Department funds must complete an Outside Training Application. The employee shall submit it to his or her immediate supervisor for approval. The immediate supervisor should verify the accuracy and completeness of the information as well as the relevancy and the practicality of the training and make a recommendation. The immediate supervisor shall forward it through the chain of command to the Training Unit as indicated on the Outside Training Application. The Training Unit commander shall review the request and make a recommendation. The training application outlines the administrative requirements that the employee must meet both before and after the training event. When a training application is disapproved by a bureau or division commander, the employee may appeal the decision, through the chain of command, to the Chief of Police.

4.10.5 If an employee is referred or wishes to participate in an outside training program that requires Departmental funds, he or she shall also indicate the total costs of that training, including tuition, travel, lodging, and all other expenses associated with that training. If the training is approved, contingent upon the availability of funding, the Fiscal Unit shall determine whether funds are available. The Fiscal Unit shall forward the application to the Chief of Police and advise whether funds are available. If the Chief of Police denies the request, he or she shall forward the disapproved application to the Training Unit commander who shall notify the employee's bureau or division commander. If the request is granted, the Chief of Police shall forward the application to the Fiscal Unit which shall process the request and forward the approved application to the Training Unit commander. Before the employee begins the training, the Fiscal Unit shall give him or her a handout on "Allowable Costs for Travel." The employee shall follow the instructions and make arrangements for travel and lodging, as appropriate.

4.10.6 Within seven days of returning from outside training that required Departmental funds, the employee must complete and return the "Business, Training or Convention Statement of Expenses" (Schedule F2) to Accounts Payable, Finance Department. When the employee has complied with these requirements, the Chief of Police shall authorize the payment of any reimbursements to the employee.

4.10.7 Outside Training Reimbursement Agreement

1. If the employee signs and accepts the acknowledgement of reimbursement on the Outside Training Form APD-810, he/she agrees to work for the Atlanta Police Department for a three-year period following completion of any training that costs in excess of $1,000.00.

2. Conditions of repayment after receiving training:

a. The employee agrees that, if he/she resigns, retires or is involuntarily separated from the employment of the Atlanta Police Department before the completion of the three year period set out in Form APD-810, then he or she shall repay the City as follows:

Separation		Repayment Amount
Leaves prior to one year after the agreement		100 %
Leaves after the first year but prior to the end of the second year of the agreement		50 %
Leaves after the second year but prior to the end of the third year of the agreement		25 %

b. The training reimbursement shall be applicable to the total expenditures that were disbursed based on the Schedule F2.

4.11 Selection and Training of Instructors

(CALEA 5^th ed. standard 33.3.1)

4.11.1 Instructors shall be selected based on their desire to instruct, ability, subject matter knowledge, academic credentials, and professional experience. All instructors are required to complete the Georgia POST Certified Instructor course and satisfactorily complete training in the following areas: lesson plan development, performance objective development, instructional techniques, testing and evaluation techniques, and resource availability and use.

4.11.2 Instructors are expected to teach at least once every six months in a training program approved by the Department or as required by the Training Unit commander.

4.11.3 Part-time instructors are expected to obtain 40 hours of training every two years that is related to instructional skills development, a subject matter in which they instruct or intend to instruct. Full-time instructors are required to obtain 40 hours of training every year that is related to instructional skills development, or a subject matter in which they instruct or intend to instruct.

4.11.4 All instructors shall notify the appropriate training coordinator when unable to instruct a scheduled training program at the Training Academy due to exigent circumstances.

4.11.5 If an employee, who is a POST certified instructor, is asked to instruct personnel from another agency or organization, he or she shall coordinate the request through the Training Unit. This requirement shall assist the Training Unit's efforts to maximize its resources through the instructor reciprocity program.

4.11.6 Employees who receive POST instructor certification on Department time or expense shall be required to teach at the Academy at least once every 12 months, if the Training Academy's scheduled curriculum permits and a request is made by the Training Unit commander.

4.11.7 An employee who intends to conduct training for Department employees is required to coordinate such training with the Training Unit and comply with all Departmental and Training Unit policies.

4.12 Lesson Plans

(CALEA 5^th ed. standard 33.1.4)

4.12.1 Lesson plans are required for all training and/or blocks of instruction taught or presented in the Department. All lesson plans shall follow the guidelines established by the Georgia POST Council and must be submitted to the Training Unit commander for approval. Once the Training Unit commander has approved a lesson plan, it shall be maintained on file at the Academy.

4.12.2 Lesson plans shall include, at a minimum: a statement of the student performance objectives; the content of the training and specification of the appropriate instructional techniques; and identification of any tests used in the training process.

4.13 Attendance at Training Functions

(CALEA 5^th ed. standard 33.1.2)

4.13.1 The Training Unit is responsible for documenting attendance at training and maintaining attendance records.

4.13.2 Employees who are scheduled for training shall follow the policies and procedures established by the Training Unit commander. Employees shall attend all training when scheduled, report on time for all training classes, and comply with applicable rules and regulations regarding conduct, dress, and participation.

4.13.3 Any absence from training must be approved and excused by the Training Unit commander. Employees may be granted an excused absence in cases of court subpoenas, planned vacation, or any other reason deemed reasonable by the Training Unit.

4.13.4 Employees are allowed excused absences for no more than 5% of the total time of the training course. Excused absences for more than 5% of the training or unexcused absences shall result in no credit for that training.

4.14 Records

(CALEA 5^th ed. standards 33.1.6, 33.1.7)

4.14.1 The Training Unit shall initiate, maintain, and update records of all training received by Department employees, to include recruit training, in-service training, specialized training, outside training, and any other POST approved or Department approved training. Records shall include, at a minimum, the date(s) of training the type of training, any certificates received, attendance records, and test scores.

4.14.2 The Training Unit shall maintain records of each training class it conducts, to include, at a minimum: the course content (lesson plans); names of agency attendees; and the performance of individual attendees as measured by tests (if administered).

4.15 Testing and Remedial Training

(CALEA 5^th ed. standard 33.1.5)

4.15.1 The Department shall administer tests that utilize the student performance objectives and measure participant knowledge of materials and the ability to successfully demonstrate job related skills. All tests shall be reviewed and approved by the Training Section commander.

4.15.2 Remedial training shall be required for all employees as indicated by a failure to successfully complete a required component of a specific training program or as an element of the disciplinary process. Failure to successfully complete and pass mandated remedial training or training required as a result of the disciplinary process may result in additional disciplinary action or termination.

4.15.3 Remedial training and training required as a result of the disciplinary process shall be scheduled as soon as practical by the training academy. The employee’s job status during this period shall be determined based on policy and the decision of the chief of police.

4.15.4 Failure to Qualify During Annual Firearms Training

(CALEA 5th ed. standard 1.3.11c)

1. The Firearms Training Unit shall conduct firearms training annually to ensure that all sworn employees demonstrate proficiency with the issued service pistol and other authorized firearms. Employees who fail to initially qualify with the service pistol shall be remediated and allowed a second qualification attempt that same training day.

2. Employees who fail to qualify or do not demonstrate adequate proficiency in weapons operation or safety shall immediately surrender their issued service pistol to the Firearms Training Unit and be placed in a non-enforcement status.

3. Within thirty (30) days of being placed in a non-enforcement status, the employee shall be ordered to attend a minimum of two (2) additional remedial sessions with a member of the Firearms Training Unit. The amount of remediation shall be determined on a case by case basis.

4. Within forty-five (45) days of being placed in a non-enforcement status, the employee shall be scheduled for a third qualification attempt on a day to be determined by the Firearms Training Unit Commander.

5. Employees who fail to qualify on the third qualification attempt shall remain in a non-enforcement status and be required to complete the forty (40) hour Recruit Mandate Firearms Training Course with the next scheduled class. Upon successful completion the employee shall return to full duty.

6. In the event that the employee fails Recruit Mandate Firearms Training, the employee shall be recommended for termination.

4.16 Career Development

(CALEA 5^th ed. standard 33.8.1)

4.16.1 In an effort to encourage professional development, advanced education, and to improve law enforcement services, Georgia POST offers a series of advanced certifications beyond the basic certification required of all police officers. Advanced certifications are based on experience, education, and additional training, and include: Intermediate Certification; Advanced Certification; Supervisory Certification; Management Certification; and Executive Certification.

4.16.2 All employees are encouraged to obtain advanced certifications. The Training Unit shall make available to interested employees the requirements for obtaining these certifications.

4.16.3 The Training Unit commander shall ensure that employees assigned to career development activities be familiar with, and receive training in: general counseling techniques; techniques for assessing skills, knowledge, and abilities; salary, benefits, and training opportunities of the agency; educational opportunities and incentive programs; awareness of the cultural background of ethnic groups in the program; record-keeping techniques; career development programs of other jurisdictions; and the availability of outside resources.

4.17 Training Reimbursement and Collection Procedure

4.17.1 This section establishes collection procedures for the reimbursement of salary and training expenses pursuant to Georgia Code Section 35-8-22.

4.17.2 The Atlanta Police Department shall seek reimbursement for all or part of a sworn employee’s salary, training, and/or miscellaneous expenses from any Georgia state, county or city law enforcement agency when that employee resigns from the Atlanta Police Department prior to the completion of two years (24 months) of sworn service and is subsequently employed as a peace officer by another agency.

4.17.3 The Support Services Division commander or his/her designee is responsible for seeking reimbursement for training expenses as provided herein.

4.17.4 The Corporate Services Section, the Personnel Services Unit, and the Recruitment Unit commanders shall implement this directive.

4.17.5 The Recruitment Unit commander or his or her designee shall provide applicants who are seeking employment with the Atlanta Police Department as sworn peace officers Form APD 257 (The Employee Training Reimbursement Agreement) prior to their initial employment with the Department and place the signed copy in the applicant’s background file.

4.17.6 All applicants seeking employment with the Atlanta Police Department as sworn peace officers shall sign Form APD 257 (The Employee Training Reimbursement Agreement) prior to their initial employment with the Department.

4.17.7 The Recruitment Unit commander or his or her designee shall provide a copy of Form APD 257

(The Employee Training Reimbursement Agreement) to the Personnel Services Unit commander upon the applicant’s employment with the Department, this form shall be placed in the employee’s personnel file.

4.17.8 The Personnel Services Unit commander or a designee shall monitor sworn APD employee resignations to determine those employees who resign from the Department prior to completing two years of sworn service.

4.17.9 The Personnel Services Unit commander or a designee shall check the online POST Officer Records computer file system at: https://www.gapost.org/acadsys/officer.html, to determine if the employee has been hired by another law enforcement agency in Georgia. If the former sworn officer has been hired by another law enforcement agency in Georgia, the Personnel Services Unit commander or a designee shall prepare an informative memorandum and provide the following information to the Support Services Division commander within five business days of discovery:

1. Name of employee;

2. A copy of the letter of resignation with the effective date;

3. Completion date of peace officer mandated and formalized training;

4. Officer’s salary scale before entering the academy and during academy training;

5. Signed Recruit Training Reimbursement Agreement;

6. Name, address and Chief Executive Officer of the hiring agency; and

7. An itemized statement of salary and training expenses.

4.17.10 If the initial check of POST records does not disclose the former APD Officer is employed by another law enforcement agency in Georgia, the Personnel Services Unit or his or her designee shall run biannual status checks until the two year time requirement expires on each affected former employee.

4.17.11 The Personnel Services Unit commander or a designee shall send a letter by certified return receipt mail to the subsequent hiring agency. If, after 60 days, the Department is unable to collect on the account, the Personnel Services Unit commander/SSD commander shall notify the City of Atlanta Law Department and the City of Atlanta Department of Finance, that it has been unable to collect on the account and submit the account to the Law Department and to the City of Atlanta Department of Finance, for further collection activity.

4.17.12 The Personnel Services Unit commander shall forward to the Law and Finance Departments, the following:

1. An itemized listing of the training costs.

2. The salary paid to officer while in training.

3. A copy of the initial demand letter with certified receipt green card.

4. A copy of the signed Employee Agreement Letter referencing the reimbursement policy as required in Georgia Code Section 35-8-22.

4.17.13 If the former APD employee has less than 15 months of sworn service with APD, the total expense of training, including salary paid during training, must be reimbursed to the Atlanta Police Department, unless otherwise provided by an employment contract to the contrary.

4.17.14 If the former APD employee has at least 15 months, but less than 24 months of sworn service with APD, one-half of the total expense of training, including salary paid during training, must be reimbursed to the Atlanta Police Department, unless otherwise provided by an employment contract to the contrary.

4.18.15 Reimbursement payments shall be deposited with the Department of Finance.

5. DEFINITIONS

N/A

6. CANCELLATIONS

APD.SOP.2080 “Training”, Issued December 1, 2007

APD.SOP.2081 “Training Reimbursement and Collection Procedure” issued October 1, 2008

APD.CM. 09.35 “Basic Law Enforcement Training Course Evaluation Program (BLETC)”

7. REFERENCES

Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies 5th Edition Standards

1.3.11 c;33.1.1; 33.1.2; 33.1.3; 33.1.4; 33.1.5; 33.1.6; 33.1.7; 33.2.1; 33.2.2; 33.2.3; 33.3.1; 33.4.1; 33.4.2; 33.4.3; 33.5.1; 33.5.2; 33.5.3; 33.6.1; 33.7.1; 33.7.2; 33.8.1; 33.8.2.

Form APD 257 “Recruit Training Reimbursement Agreement”

Form APD 810 “Outside Training Application”

Form APD 847 “Specialized Training Registration”

Georgia Code Section 35-8-22

Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council Rules 464-13-03 and 464-5