Chapter 3: Training

In-Service Sworn Officer Training All sworn officers must attend, participate in, and successfully complete all

department training. Sworn officer training may consist of various topics in a block training or may be done during roll call, by hands-on instruction, or other methods decided upon by the instructor. Each member of the Terre Haute Police Department shall complete the following training yearly: A. No less than 24 total documented hours. B. No less than 2 hours in defensive or physical tactics. C. No less than 2 hours in Emergency Vehicle Operations. D. No less than 2 hours in firearms training.

Training done by Field Training Officers in the course of day-to-day field training for new officers

does not need to fill out a roster. Their training documentation is labeled later in this chapter.

Until the new officer has graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy they will not be allowed to

drive Terre Haute Police Department vehicles in a patrol capacity. The moving of vehicle to assist with logistics or in training is allowed prior to Academy graduation. Once the trainee has graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, they will drive the vast majority of the shifts after the two shift adjustment period to the new training officer

A. Breathalyzer Operators It will be the responsibility of the Training Division to

ensure that all certification is kept current with the Indiana State Department of Toxicology.

All firearm training scores will be kept by one of the r.

firearms instructors and an additional copy will be kept with the training records in the care of the Training Coordinator.

The Assistant Commander shall be responsible

for all tactical training records.

Reserve Officer Entry Level Training The Terre Haute Police Department shall not

have a reserve officer program

Auxiliaries The Terre Haute Police Department does not

have any auxiliary units within the department.

Field Training is

instruction, training, or skills taught to an employee by another employee on a tutorial basis during a tour of duty while performing normal activities of employment.

If a member of the Department fails to qualify, then remedial training will be given by certified firearms instructors. This training may be given at the time the failure occurs in the course of continuing training, or

may be given at a later time. No member of the department may carry the firearm after failing to qualify until remedial training has been completed and a passing shooting score has been attained. Once a passing score has been attained, the member that failed to qualify will be encouraged to attend "Open Range" training in order to gain a higher level of firearm proficiency.

In addition to the annual review,

more review sessions may be scheduled as needed to deal with specific issues as they arise or deal with training issues.

Supervisor Training It shall be the policy of the Terre Haute Police Department to provide timely training to all

newly promoted officers receiving a promotion. A. Upon an officer receiving a promotion to the rank of Sergeant, that officer shall complete an outside supervisory school/course appropriate for this rank, and approved by the Chief of Police. B. Upon a Sergeant receiving a promotion to the rank of Lieutenant, he/she shall complete an outside supervisory school/course appropriate for this rank, and approved by the Chief of Police. C. Upon a Lieutenant receiving a promotion to the rank of Captain, he/she shall complete an outside supervisory school/course appropriate for this rank, and approved by the Chief of Police.

The Department's Special Response Team (SRT) shall consist of a number of members

of the Department as required by the Chief of Police.

The Terre Haute Police Department will conduct multiple firearm qualifications throughout each calendar year. All sworn officers are required to

pass these qualifications with their primary duty weapon, the Glock Model 21 .45 caliber handgun (or other primary duty weapon if approved by the Chief of Police). These courses will be spread out throughout the year and may include standard silhouette targets, photorealistic targets, moving objects, low-light or nighttime shooting, or other courses of fire determined by the firearms training staff. Each qualification must be attended by each officer unless an exclusion has been granted for vacation, medical leave, or other circumstances approved by a Chief or their designee.

The goal of Field Training is to

provide recruits with patrol experience and training simultaneously. Employees participate in the field training program when assigned to the Uniform Division as a patrol officer, either prior to or immediately following completion of the Basic Law Enforcement Academy requirements.

All sworn and nonsworn members of the Terre Haute Police Department who are sent to training outside of the department, or who receive training from an instructor who is not a member of the Terre Haute Police Department shall

provide the Training Coordinator with a Roster - Law Enforcement Training, or certificate for entry into ACADIS and/or to have this added to their training file. This information shall be provided to the Training Coordinator within 5 business days from completing the training.

Additional firearms that any Terre Haute Police Officer desires to carry such as a backup firearm, a patrol rifle, shotgun, or any other firearm must be

qualified on each calendar year in order to carry this firearm in any capacity as a police officer, including off-duty concealed carry.

The Field Training Officer shall provide written evaluations on a daily, end-of-phase and end-of-the program basis to the Training Coordinator. The Field Training Officer shall also be required to

report to their superior any problems or lack of competence immediately in order that corrective measures can be implemented quickly to avoid further problems. The daily reports will be compiled on the Terre Haute Police Department Daily Observation Report and stored by the Field Training Officer. These reports may be submitted in printed form or electronic version to the Training Coordinator no later than four days after the end of a training phase. Along with the Daily Observation Reports the Field Training Officer will submit a memo summarizing the new officer's progress and areas of concern to the Training Coordinator and the shift Lieutenant and Training Sergeant.

Monthly training shall vary, but at least once per year members shall receive training specific to

responding to hostage, barricaded subjects, sniper, and active shooter scenarios.

Members of the department conducting background investigations for new applicants must have

served in the Criminal Investigations Division. Members assigned to conduct such background investigations are required to follow the written outline for every investigation

As part of the training program, the Training Coordinator will discuss training with each trainee when the training program is completed. During this time, the Training Coordinator will discuss the

strength and weaknesses of the different Field Training Officers the trainee worked with to provide constructive feedback to the training staff.

The use of the credit card for personal entertainment

such as alcohol, recreational activities, movie rentals, personal telephone calls, and souvenirs are unacceptable charges. Telephone calls to department officials or emergencies are an exception.

The Training Sergeant's function is to

supplement the training provided by the other Shift Supervisors. He is not relieving them of their responsibilities in this area. He will also make every effort to acquire information and aids and develop programs to be used in shift training.

The new officer will not work desk duty during their training phases unless

the Assistant Chief of Police - Operations gives permission for the new officer to be placed on desk duty.

New recruits will rotate assignments throughout the process in order to gain a better understanding of the different law enforcement activities conducted by the Department. Rotation will include assignment to

the Criminal Investigative Division, the Special Response Team, the K9 unit, and each of the Uniform Division shifts. Recruits will rotate through each of the three shifts during the process and will be assigned to different field training officers in order to gain different perspectives throughout the experience. The decision on scheduling and training officer assignments will be the responsibility of the Training Coordinator.

B. IDACS Terminal Operators It will be the responsibility of the Training Division to ensure that all certification is kept current with

the Criminal Justice Data Division, IDACS Section of the Indiana State Police.

Field Training Officers will be instructed on the Department's procedures concerning the program upon completion of

the FTO School. At the end of each Field Training program, all involved Training Officers will meet with the Training Coordinator to review the process and each will make suggestions of improvements in the program. Field Training Officers will also be required to attend in-service training periodically to remain an active member of the FTO program.

The Daily Observation Report (DOR) may be kept electronically by the Field Training Officer until the end of the training phase they are in, at which time the DORs will be submitted with an End of Phase supplement to

the Training Coordinator. A Field Training Officer may also print and submit the DORs to the Training Coordinator during the phase if they so desire. Any specific issues outside of the normal scope new officer training will be brought to the attention of a shift supervisor and the Training Coordinator.

When a trainee is transferred from one Field Training Officer to another,

the Training Officers will communicate either through email or through telephone and discuss the trainee, their shortcomings and strengths and discuss a plan for the next phase of training.

Supervision of the Field Training Officers will be consistent with the Department's policy on chain of command. Training issues or issues with the new officer will be brought to

the attention of the Training Coordinator as soon as they can be contacted. This may be via phone call or email if after hours.

The Training Coordinator is responsible for issuing

the card to those who are traveling on a training assignment; however, the senior officer or member is responsible for the use of the card during the period of the assignment.

The Terre Haute Police Department shall provide new officers with a Field Training Officer through

the five phases until it is determined that the new officer is ready to work effectively as a solo unit.

Each of these sessions shall be documented and attendance recorded. The changes being made to the program will result in

the training of the changes being passed through the Field Training staff so the attendance will be recorded on an Indiana Law Enforcement approved Training Roster which will be submitted into ACADIS.

If a new officer is a graduate of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy and is still within the required two year window to retain his certification from the Academy,

the training process may be shortened to as little as two training phases, focusing more on agency specific issues.

Use of Deadly Force Training On an annual basis, officers are required to receive in-service training on the Department's use of force policies including

the use of deadly force. Understanding that the use of deadly force can come from the use of firearms, vehicles, physical tactics, or other means, any of the psychomotor skill instructors may instruct in the area of deadly force. A. All use of force training will be documented and submitted to the Training Coordinator upon completion. B. All use of force, including deadly force, will follow the Department's guidelines for the use of force.

Length of time a new recruit is in Field Training is dependent on

their ability to comprehend the information being taught, availability of incidents that are investigated, the Field Training Officers recommendations, any prior law enforcement experience, and approval of superior officers.

Non-Sworn Members of the Property/Evidence Unit shall receive training subject to

their duties in the following areas: A. Departmental policies on evidence and handling. B. Departmental policies on records handling and public access. C. Training in Uniform Crime Reporting and classification.

Members of the Department who serve as hostage negotiators shall

train with the SRT at least three times a year so as to coordinate training efforts and functions.

A. It will be the policy of the Terre Haute Police Department to allow the use of the Department "Training" credit card by personnel. The following purchases are acceptable:

1. Lodging; 2. Gasoline; 3. Airline tickets (when officers/members must travel by air); 4. Car rental (when approved by the Department); 5. Class registration fees; 6. Parking expenses.

The following will establish the criteria for the levels of operators:

1. Operator- Meet requirements for becoming an active member of the entry or sniper element of the Special Response Team. 2. Senior Operator- Complete 5 years of service as an entry team and/or sniper member, and obtained at least 4 perfect scores during recertifications. 3. Master Operator- Complete 10 years of service as an entry team and/or sniper member, and obtained at least 8 perfect scores during recertifications.

Those using the credit card must:

1. Provide the Training Coordinator with all receipts resulting from the use of the credit card. Failure to attach receipts with the return of the credit card will be cause for disciplinary action. 2. Return credit card to the Training Coordinator upon returning from a training assignment. If the officer or member returns during normal business hours, return immediately. Those returning late in the evening can return the credit card the next business day. In the absence of the training division commander, return to your Division Captain or Chief. 3. If the credit card is lost or stolen, the senior or ranking officer shall immediately file a report with police officials in the city where the incident occurred. The senior or ranking officer shall then report the incident to the on duty Shift Commander at the Terre Haute Police Department, who shall notify the Division Chief. 4. If receipts are lost, the officer responsible will be given three (3) business days to have replacements sent. 5. When the Chief authorizes a member to use the card for car rental they shall exercise proper judgment and rent vehicles that are comparable to those normally used by the department.

While a new officer is in the Field Training portion of his probationary period, the Field Training Officer that is assigned to instruct the trainee shall

complete a Daily Observation Report at the end of each shift spent with the trainee. During this time, or at the start of the next shift, the Field Training Officer and the trainee will review the Observation Report and discuss strengths and weaknesses.

Evaluations of the new recruits will be conducted on a daily, end-of-phase and end-of program basis. Areas to be covered by the evaluation process shall include, at a minimum:

1. Skills, knowledge, and abilities taught to or performed by the recruit; 2. An assessment of the willingness of the recruit to learn and perform the items in L (1); 3. An appraisal of the degree to which the recruit has demonstrated understanding of the function of the Department and its relationship to other components of Government; 4. Identification of problems or lack of competence to be emphasized in remedial training of the recruit.

The Training Sergeant's duties and areas of responsibility will be, but not limited to, the following:

1. The training of shift personnel in duties, performance, assignments, laws and policies of the department. 2. Supervise the training of probationary officers assigned to the shift, to include riding periodically with the police officer when assigned to a district to evaluate performance and further the training process. 3. Prepare and submit a monthly training report through the Chain of Command to the Division Chief. The report shall include the topic of training, total hours conducted, and the name of the instructor presenting the training. 4. Maintain accurate and up-to-date personnel files on the in-service training received by each officer. 5. All monthly training reports and evaluations shall be forwarded by the Training Sergeant through the chain of command to the Operations Division Chief. 6. Relieve the Shift Commander or Field Sergeant on their days off.

Training for SRT members assigned as snipers shall

consist of a certified Sniper program as deemed acceptable by the department.

Training Rotations While a new trainee is going through the Field Training Program, they will go through the following training phases:

A. Phase 1 through Phase 4: Each of these phases will be five rotations or twenty training days in length. If a trainee misses four or more shifts during a phase, that phase will be extended by a four-day rotation. This is to keep at least sixteen days in a phase and allows the trainee to still take days off if necessary without extending a phase each time. At the end of a training phase, the trainee will be moved to a different Field Training Officer and shift if possible. B. Shadow Phase: After the four primary training phases are complete and the trainee has been recommended to be moved onto the Shadow Phase, the trainee will be moved to this final phase of training. During this time, the Field Training Officer will work in the diminished capacity listed in section 3.12 and observe the trainee to see if they are ready for solo patrol duties.

The Training Coordinator shall maintain a certain amount of communication with the

Academy staff to keep abreast of the latest training requirements. This can, for the most part, be done through the Academy website: www.in.gov/ilea.

The credit card belongs to the department's

Continuing Education Fund.

Field Training Officers shall be selected in accordance with the provisions set for in the

Department's current collective bargaining agreement.

The Indiana Law Enforcement Academy certifies

General Instructors, Defensive Tactics Instructors, and Firearms Instructors. Most of these certifications expire within three years of the original certification date; however, recertifications are allowed without further class participation if they satisfy the following criteria: a. Each instructor must present at least three (3) training classes within a three year period; b. Defensive Tactics and Firearms instructors must conduct three (3) training classes in their field; c. General Instructors can instruct on any subject other than Defensive Tactics or Firearms.

The records shall be forwarded, if appropriate, to the

Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board for recording.

The training will consist of four five-rotation phases, noted as

Phase 1 through Phase 4. Each of these phases will be five rotations in length. If a new officer misses more than four days in the field during a phase, that phase will be extended one four-day rotation.

All Terre Haute Police Department Training will be documented on the

State Form labeled "Roster - Law Enforcement Training."

All completed training documented on these forms will then be given to the

Training Coordinator for entry into ACADIS and then for proper storage in the training files. These rosters shall include: A. Name of personnel attending; B. Type of training/subject material/course content; C. Hours spent in training; D. School, agency, and instructor providing training.

Training for the SRT shall consist of a certified Special

Weapons and Tactics program as deemed acceptable by the department.

Annual Inspection of Firearms On an annual basis each firearm that any officer is certified to carry or use shall be inspected by

a member of the Terre Haute Police Department firearms training staff. The inspection may take place during or after a firearm qualification and will cover the following: A. The cleanliness and proper functioning of the firearm. B. The firearm meets the Department's guidelines for type and modifications. C. Documentation that the inspection was performed will be maintained by a member of the firearm training staff and a copy will also be kept by the Training Coordinator.

In addition to the Academy mandated hours of training required each year, the Field Training Officers will receive

additional training from the Training Coordinator specific to their duty as a Training Officer

Training is a primary function of

all supervisors.

The Field Training Program for recruits shall consist primarily of on-the-job training and shall be for

approximately 22 weeks in addition to the required new officer training and prebasic that begins in the new officer's first week of employment.

A Training Sergeant shall be assigned to each shift to

assist the Shift Commander in the training function and assure consistent field supervision.

Use of Force Training and Proficiency for Less Lethal Weapons On an annual basis, officers are required to receive in-service training on the Department's use of force policies. Additionally, officers will demonstrate proficiency with any approved lethal weapon and electronic controlled weapon the employee is authorized to use. In-service training for less-than lethal weapons shall occur

at least biennially. In addition, A. Proficiency training will be conducted by an instructor, certified in the training of the use of that weapon. This includes ECD units such as the Taser, as well as less lethal munitions, and the expandable baton or improvised baton. B. All training will be documented, including the training officer, type of instruction, and lesson plan. C. All officers who do not pass any weapons proficiency testing will be required to complete remedial training before being allowed to again carry or use that weapon. If the officer is unable to show proficiency in the use of a less lethal weapon, and remedial training cannot be provided immediately, the officer shall not be allowed to carry such a weapon until such time the officer is able to show the necessary proficiency.

Upon being selected as a Field Training Officer, the officer will

attend a Field Training Officer school that is a minimum of 24 hours. This class may be taught by an outside agency or instructor, or may be taught by existing Terre Haute Police Department training staff.

The newly appointed Chief of Police will abide by IC 4-22-2 and

attend a basic Chief training program currently provided by the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. This training must take place within one year of the initial appointment of Police Chief.

The Department's Hostage Negotiator Unit shall consist of a number of members of the Department as required

by the Chief of Police. A. Training for Hostage Negotiators shall consist of a certified Hostage Negotiator program as deemed acceptable by the Department. B. Each member must complete the initial training before becoming an active member of the team. Hostage Negotiators will train once a month to maintain proficiency. Failure to attend and successfully complete training more than three times in a twelve month period shall be grounds for removal from the unit. C. Hostage Negotiators shall train with the Special Response Team at least three times a year so as to coordinate training efforts and functions.

The Training Coordinator will be responsible for assisting instructors in keeping their

certification current. The Training Coordinator shall notify instructors approximately three (3) months prior to the expiration date.

On an annual basis, the Terre Haute Police Department Field Training Officers will conduct a review of the subjects and forms being used in the Field Training process. During this time, the Training Officers will

check the Field Training Program to assure that it is aligned with all current department policies and that any changes, modifications, or additions are addressed.

In addition to monthly training, members must complete a recertification course

twice in a twelve month period while meeting the following standards: 1. Complete a designated simmunitions decision-making course and dummy drag in 1 minute 45 seconds or less, while wearing a ballistic helmet, and vest. 2. Complete the required obstacle course in 6 minutes and 45 seconds or less. 3. Complete a firearms proficiency course with the department issued handgun and designated primary weapon system in 1 minutes and 40 seconds or less, while obtaining a 90% proficiency score. SRT members assigned as snipers shall complete a separate proficiency course using their bolt gun. However, the sniper proficiency course shall still require a 90% proficiency score. 4. Failure to re-certify shall be grounds for being placed in a non-deployable status. Failure to re-certify twice in a twelve month period shall be grounds for removal from the team.

Each member must complete the initial training before becoming an active member of the team. The SRT will train as a group

twice monthly to maintain proficiency. Failure to attend and successfully complete training more than six times in a twelve month period shall be grounds for removal from the team.

The final phase, Shadow Phase, is a

two rotation phase at the finish of the four primary training phases. During this time the Field Training Officer will serve in a "Shadow Officer" capacity and is there to oversee the trainee is a diminished capacity before determining if the officer is ready for efficient solo patrol. The Field Training Officer shall not wear a uniform during this time but will have his or her badge, firearm concealed, and wear their ballistic vest. Other minimal equipment such as a set of handcuffs and spare magazine should also be kept on their person in a concealed manner.

Any additional training that is not entered into ACADIS

will be kept in the individual member's training file