(See General Order 336.00: Training Unit)
The department has an obligation to provide a professional standard of law enforcement service to the community. In fulfilling that responsibility, it is essential that the department personnel be properly trained. This is true not only at the entrance level where officers must receive basic training prior to their assumption of police responsibilities, but it is a continuous process throughout their careers. Training is provided to accommodate department needs and to actualize the interest and concern which the department has for the self-improvement and personal development of its employees.
All Outside and Contracted Training
All outside or contracted training, including but not limited to RRA training, must be approved by completing the SAINT PAUL POLICE DEPARTMENT TRAINING APPROVAL FORM and obtaining the required signatures.
Employees receiving training from outside entities may be instructed on material that is in conflict with the Saint Paul Police Department’s policy and procedures. Regardless of the sponsor or source of the training, or whether the training was authorized by the department,Saint Paul Police officers attending such training, whether on duty or off duty, must follow department policies and procedures and may only use tools, techniques or methods approved or sanctioned by the department.
Saint Paul Police Department employee(s) are required and must agree prior to receiving outside instruction that training received from outside sources must be properly evaluated and subsequently authorized by the St. Paul Police Department Training Unit Commander and Deputy Chief of Support Services and according to department policy prior to being adopted and used in the course of their duties.
Recruit Training:
The training provided new officers or candidates are a continuation of the selection process whereby efforts are made to screen out those who are lacking in police aptitude. In all recruit training, emphasis is placed on developing the reasoning ability and judgment of each officer.
Field Training Officer:
The field training officer (FTO) program is designed to supplement academy instruction through field experience. Its goal is to provide a more individually tailored training program, stressing weak areas and those needing more attention, while at the same time insuring that each recruit masters a predetermined set of tasks before satisfactory completion of the program.
After completion of the FTO program, officers will be on probation which serves as a final step in the officer selection process.
On-the-Job Training:
An officer’s training continues after academy graduation through her/his assignments with a field training officer, roll call training, and supervision. It is the responsibility of all officers to teach those with whom they work the skills and knowledge necessary to perform the job at hand. Supervisors and unit heads of all ranks have the responsibility not only to train subordinates to perform assigned tasks, but also to familiarize all subordinates with their supervisor’s job as well so employees are prepared to assume additional responsibilities, should the need arise.
In-Service Training:
Refresher training is periodically provided to experienced officers to update their training profiles and to evaluate the effectiveness of their prior recruit and in-service training.
Non-Sworn / Professional Staff:
All newly hired civilian employees shall attend the “new employee orientation” class conducted by the City of Saint Paul Office of Human Resources. This orientation seminar is designed to acquaint the individual with benefits, working conditions and regulations as well as the responsibilities and rights of employees. Additionally, the new employee will receive familiarization training from her/his immediate supervisor regarding the role purpose, goals, policies and procedures specific to this department.
Additional training:
Civilian employees are an integral part of our police team and will, in addition to the new employee orientation, receive specialist training as required by their duties.
In-Service Training:
The department’s training unit and the City of Saint Paul Office of Human Resources offer a wide variety of educational opportunities which are available to all civilian personnel. All non-sworn employees are urged to make maximum use of these opportunities to increase this knowledge and to develop and perfect new skills as well as to sharpen those already acquired.
Civilian employees whose tasks require expertise in a specific technological area are also eligible for training at outside institutions which can be arranged through the assistant chief’s office.
Supervision Training:
Once the selection process has resulted in promotion, the department provides training to prepare newly appointed supervisors and unit heads for their added responsibilities. Dependent upon the level of supervision or management involved, an attempt is made to familiarize individuals with problems which they may face and to assist them in developing suitable responses to those problems.
Specialized Training:
To prepare employees for new assignments, the department provides specialized training in those areas where a need has developed. Such schools have as their goal the development of specialized skills and knowledge within the frame of a police generalist.
Supervisors as Teachers:
The on-going training of working employees is the responsibility of their supervisors. Supervisors are expected to be familiar with the mechanics of the learning process and to routinely apply them in their supervisory tasks.
Participation of Unit Heads and Staff Officers in Formal Training:
It is important to assure that department policy is disseminated as accurately as possible, and to allow the department and its employees to benefit from the experience, knowledge and attitudes of commanding and staff officers at a policy-making level. Therefore, it is desirable that such officers participate in the formal training process to the greatest extent possible.
Detached Duty for Advanced Education or Training:
The department engages in programs whereby officers are selected to participate in advanced education or training programs as part of their assigned duty. The selection process for such courses is designed to choose the most qualified while at the same time assuring the department receives the value of the individual’s acquired knowledge.
Encouragement to Further Education:
In fulfilling its commitment to provide professional police service, the department encourages all employees to further their education to the highest level possible. Therefore consistent with its basic responsibilities, the department cooperates with employees as staffing would allow to arranging duty schedules and assignments, to facilitate and encourage such individual effort. The department values advanced education and encourages all employees to pursue advanced degrees, especially if they are interested in seeking promotion.
Revised May 31, 2019