2-501 - Training

The purpose of this policy is to outline training program components, rules, regulations and procedures for Pre-Service Training, In-Service Training, Special Duty requests, the maintenance of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) licenses, and training record management.

Course ID: A pre-authorized number assigned by the In-Service Training Unit for identification of training courses or programs.

Community Policing (Training):

1. Instruction on the following matters:

1. techniques for expanding the training of peace officers to include de-escalation and problem-solving;
2. techniques for organizing community members so that they are involved and trained in community policing activities;
3. techniques for relating to diverse communities;
4. techniques for relating to individuals with physical or mental limitations; and
5. training on child development issues to enable officers to respond appropriately to perceived child protection situations.

2. For materials and course offerings, contact the MPD’s Training Unit. For examples of additional ways to engage in community policing, see P&P chapter 6-300.

Department Training: Denotes any training instructed or coordinated by the Minneapolis Police Department (e.g., in-service, pre-service training).

Human Resources Information System (HRIS): A computer information system that provides employee pay, benefit, and training management programs.

Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST Board): Oversees law enforcement licensing and training requirements for law enforcement agencies and officers.

Outside Department Training: Denotes training provided to employees away from the department (e.g., college courses, seminars in another city, International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), FBI National Academy).

Tactical Training: Training on use of force and community policing/de-escalation techniques.

Training Liaison: The employee responsible for scheduling and organizing department training with instructors from inside and/or outside the MPD.

Training Records: Job-related training documentation received throughout an employee’s career including, but not limited to, in-service training, firearms training, unit specific training, seminars/workshops, courses which are law enforcement related or for development of administrative, managerial or leadership skills taken at accredited colleges/universities.

Unit Specific Training: Training instructed by specialty units. This includes but is not limited to PowerPoint presentations, scenario-based training, practical exercises and videos.

Workforce Director (WFD): A computer information system that provides employee scheduling and timekeeping functions, personnel data management, training management, inventory management, Internal Affairs management, performance reviews, recruiting, and support for Field Training Officer programs.

1. On-going training is essential to providing a professional level of service in law enforcement. Training offered by the MPD Training Unit will be consistent with the MPD's mission, values, goals, and objectives.
2. The mission of the MPD Training Unit is to develop and present relevant and current Pre-Service and In‑Service training programs, special courses and seminars to all employees that promote trust, accountability and professional service.
3. Minneapolis Police Department training will be provided in compliance with federal, state and city mandates, including use of force, legal update training and competency testing, and will be consistent with the MPD’s mission, values, goals and objectives.
4. It is the responsibility of supervisors to ensure that subordinates are trained and able to carry out assigned tasks and responsibilities.
5. Records shall be maintained to document training of all Minneapolis Police Department employees.

Recruit Officer and Field Training Programs

(01/25/02) (04/14/05) (08/23/10)

(A-D)

1. Training for new officers consists of a Police Academy and Field Training Officer (FTO) program.
2. The Recruit Officer must pass Police Academy requirements prior to being sworn in as a peace officer and being accepted into the FTO Program.
3. The Officer in field training will work one-on-one with an FTO during the Field Training period.
4. FTO Program requirements must be satisfactorily completed prior to the end of the Field Training period.

Recruit Officer Program – Uniform and Personal Appearance

(01/25/02) (08/23/10)

1. The Recruit Officer will wear the Recruit Officer uniform or other specified attire as directed by Training Unit personnel.
2. The Recruit Officer’s personal appearance and uniform standards shall conform to the regulations specified in MPD Policy and Procedure Manual, Section 3-100 Personal Appearance and Uniforms.

Recruit Officer Program – Firearms

(01/25/02) (08/23/10)

1. The Recruit Officer shall successfully complete the MPD Range Qualification course.

2. The Recruit Officer is prohibited from carrying ammunition and/or a loaded firearm during academy training unless they are under the direct supervision of range personnel.
3. The Training Unit may authorize the Recruit Officer to carry their firearm while participating in academy training classes.
4. The Recruit Officer is not legally authorized to carry their firearm while off duty until they are sworn in as a peace officer.

Field Training Officer (FTO) Program

(01/25/02) (08/23/10)

(A-C)

1. Selection of Field Training Officers (FTO’s)

1. Precinct staffing supervisors, following FTO program guidelines, shall recommend officers who are eligible to be Field Training Officers.
2. The Field Training Sergeant at each precinct shall be selected by a Sector Lieutenant.
3. The Chief of Police reserves the right to reject a volunteer who the Chief determines is not appropriate to serve as an FTO.
4. Field Training Officers and Field Training Sergeants will be trained by Training Unit personnel.

2. Field Training Officer Program Scheduling – FTO and Officer in field training

1. The Officer in field training shall work the same schedule as their assigned FTO.

2. A special request by an Officer in field training to deviate from their assigned FTO’s schedule must be approved by the assigned FTO, Field Training Sergeant and the Training Unit.

3. Field Training Evaluation

1. The progress of an Officer in field training will be evaluated by their assigned FTO and Field Training Sergeant.

2. Evaluations for Officers in field training shall be reported to the Training Unit in the format prescribed by the Field Training Manual.

MPD In-Service Training

(01/25/02) (08/23/10)

(B)

1. MPD In‑Service Training is provided each year to meet or exceed the requirements of the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), the MPD, and the City of Minneapolis.
2. All employees shall attend and participate in In-Service Training, as assigned, regardless of the number of POST Credits or Continuing Education Credits accumulated.

Special Duty, Schools and Seminars

(01/25/02) (08/23/10)

(A-B)

1. Employees applying for Special Duty time, department funds, or MPD sponsorship must forward a properly completed Special Duty Approval Form (MP-1002) to the Training Unit. Applications to attend or instruct at an outside department training shall be denied when the training conflicts with training provided by MPD (such as warrior-type or fear-based training on use of force or de-escalation techniques as opposed to MPD’s community policing training).
2. Training requests which involve funding beyond the endorsing Commander’s training budget shall be reviewed and approved or denied by the Deputy Chief of Professional Standards.
3. Employees attending specialized schools or seminars authorized by the MPD will provide event information, names of the speakers and their qualifications, reports and a class syllabus to the Training Unit.
4. Employees may be selected to attend or instruct advanced training programs in which the MPD participates.
5. MPD employees may attend specialized training schools or seminars on their own time, except MPD sworn employees must obtain approval in advance from the Deputy Chief of Professional Standards or their designee before attending or instructing at a training on use of force or community policing/de-escalation techniques to ensure there is no conflict with such training provided by MPD (such as warrior-type or fear-based training on use of force or de-escalation techniques as opposed to MPD’s community policing training), including through off-duty employment.
6. Probationary employee requests for special training shall be forwarded to the Deputy Chief of Professional Standards for review and final approval determination.

Professional Development Program

(01/25/02) (08/23/10)

1. The Professional Development Program, administered by the Training Unit promotes the professional growth of MPD employees. The program includes the following components:

1. Career Enrichment Programs
2. Career Paths
3. Community Service
4. Higher Education
5. In-Service Training
6. Leadership Development
7. Mentoring Program

Unit Specific Training

1. To be considered verifiable Department Training the lesson plan, training material (e.g. PowerPoint presentation) and instructor qualifications/resume must be documented and forwarded to the Training Unit.

1. Prior to conducting Unit Specific Training a Course ID number shall be obtained from the Training Unit.
2. In the event that Unit Specific Training is required and prior notification of the Training Unit is not practical, the supervisor/commander will be responsible for documentation of the lesson plan and attendance roster.

2. Upon completion of Unit Specific Training the attendance roster shall be forwarded to the Training Unit.

Training Records Management

1. The Training Unit shall do the following:

1. Assign a Course ID for all training that is to be documented.
2. Perform data entry and editing of training records in Workforce Director. Items to be stored in WorkForce Director for each training: (05/03/13)

1. Instructor biography/resume
2. Syllabus of the training
3. Handouts
4. Training materials (e.g. PowerPoint)
5. Sign in sheet
6. Grades (if assigned)

3. Respond to Data Practices requests for MPD training records.
4. Maintain training records in accordance with data retention guidelines.
5. Generate the Training Record Verification Report upon request.

2. Employees shall do the following:

1. Employees shall sign an attendance roster at training sessions where one is provided and the employee is present for the entire training.
2. Employees shall periodically review their training records for completeness and accuracy and contact the Training Unit if changes are necessary.
3. Employees wishing to have Outside Department Training (e.g. command schools or City training) documented in their respective MPD training and personnel files shall provide:

1. To the Training Unit: Proof of course completion, handouts, agenda and certification (if applicable).
2. To MPD Human Resources: Proof of course completion and/or certification.

4. Employees seeking POST certification credit for Outside Department Training shall contact the Training Unit upon receiving Special Duty approval, to ensure POST eligibility requirements are met.

3. Commanders shall do the following:

1. Commanders shall be responsible for reviewing subordinates training records to ensure compliance with required certifications and mandated Department Training.
2. The Training Record Verification Report is available from the Training Unit upon request.