Academy Policies and Procedures in time of Pandemic

Policies and Procedures being used nationwide to address the challenges of managing a public safety academy during the COVID-19 emergency

Alabama

Under authority of the Governor’s Emergency Declaration Alabama POST adopted an Emergency Rule, pursuant to the Alabama Administrative Procedures Act, which authorizes the Executive Secretary to suspend the enforcement of the statutory and regulatory requirements relating to provisionally appointed law enforcement officers completing certification training within six months of his or her provisional appointment. The Emergency Rule also authorizes the Executive Secretary to make emergency modifications to the academy curriculum as is deemed necessary in order to facilitate the training and certification of law enforcement applicants and appointees for the following 120 days or longer if the Order is extended by the Governor.

We have canceled all in-service and specialized training for the immediate future along with academy sessions which were scheduled but not yet started.  Academy classes which had completed all mandatory pass/fail portions of the basic curriculum are accelerated to graduate and the officers returned to their employing agency. Classes that were in session that could not be accelerated or had only just begun academy training were suspended and returned to their agency. These classes will resume at the point they were suspended once academy basic training resumes. Clearly, this situation is very fluid and subject to change on short notice.

Alaska

Alaska has two primary LE Academies; Anchorage PD’s, non-residential police academy, and Alaska DPS’s basic (residential) academy in Sitka.

Anchorage:         At this time, we are still going strong as a group.  We have enacted safety protocols by:

  1.     Reducing contact with outside APD role players, etc
  2.     We’ve stopped all other training except the recruit academy
  3.     We’ve closed the lobby and have “withdrawn” to reduce exposures in this context, and
  4.     We’ve made cleaning protocols within the facility more frequent and more complete (fitness equipment/etc).

 

Sitka:   The current academy remains in session with the following operational changes.

  1.     We have limited people coming into the academy to essential personnel only.  
  2.     We have prohibited recruits from going on store runs; only TACs will be doing that for them.
  3.     We have redoubled our efforts to keep the building clean and virus/germ free.  High touch areas (public facing door knobs, steering wheels, etc.) are being disinfected three times a day.
  4.     Recruits are being issued individual thermometers and will be taking and recording their temperature every morning.
  5.     In the unlikely event that a recruit gets sick and is required to quarantine, they will be excused from the academy.

Arkansas

April 7th:

 ALL SPECIALIZED AND ADVANCED TRAINING COURSES ON AND OFF CAMPUSES WILL BE POSTPONED FOR THE NEXT 30 DAYS.

Arizona

April 27th:

AZPOST provides the basic academy curriculum for 14 academies throughout the State of Arizona. As the COVID-19 pandemic started to escalate, AZPOST identified the importance of archiving and sharing information.

Starting March 26, 2020, a weekly AZPOST COVID-19 form was created to archive all precautions being taken, accommodations being made, contingency plans and additional information amongst academies. This report is completed by each academy on a weekly basis and submitted to AZPOST. After combining this information, a report is distributed to all 14 academies to share information. This information is being archived to be included in an after action report.

To date, one recruit tested positive for COVID-19, resulting in online instruction for a 2-week period. This academy has now reconvened and is fully operational.

All academies took additional CDC recommended precautions for sanitizing, hand washing, additional cleaning along with proper PPE distribution. Most academies took daily temperatures of staff, instructors and recruits, along with daily documentation of any symptoms. All recruits/staff who display symptoms are being sent to a medical professional and require clearance prior to returning to the academy.

All academies are still functioning, albeit with a few modifications, some of which are listed below:

  • Transitioning to online learning platforms.

  • Eliminating elective classes, only teaching the AZPOST required curriculum.

  • Academies increased social distancing, some breaking classes up into smaller groups and using online platforms to project the presentation into the multiple smaller classrooms.

  • Rescheduling close contact proficiency instruction, or performing outside with additional sanitization of equipment.

  • Residential academies have restricted recruits from leaving dorms on weekends to return home.

  • Delaying future academy start dates.

Our In-Service / Advanced Officer Training classes have been suspended. We have begun scheduling classes being for late Summer and will adjust the dates if necessary.

Colorado

Colorado only has one residential academy.  While I have not heard concerns directly related to returning cadets to the residential academy, we are having conversations regarding all of our academies.  The crux of the conversation revolves around the inability to use social distancing recommendations in the academies, especially during skills testing.

While it is not official yet, I am having a meeting in an hour to determine whether or not we allow the academies to continue as is, or to end all in person training.  We would allow live, interactive remote instruction for classroom instruction, but skills training would not be allowed.

March 23rd:

Colorado POST has suspended all in person academy training, effective 2359 hrs on Monday, March 16.  POST is allowing a variance to rule to allow for virtual classroom environments for academic only instruction. Academic instruction can continue if conducted in a live, interactive online format. There must be the ability to share training aids and documents electronically and in real time. Recruits and instructors would need to be displayed on video, with the instructors having the capability of viewing the students at any time to ensure they are participating in the course of instruction.  Recruits must be able to ask questions verbally or through a chatroom format.  This format should replicate a classroom environment as much as possible in order to comply with Rule 21 requirements of 100% attendance.  Each academy must submit a plan for POST approval on how they will achieve the requirements before they are allowed to continue instruction.

Connecticut

All range activities and the academy are postponed until further notice

All POSTC in-service training classes through April have been cancelled.

Delaware

The Delaware State Police currently anticipates beginning the next Academy Class on Monday, May 4th.  This was pushed back from an original start date of Monday, March 30th.  That said we are working to finalize the following approach/protocols:

1.) The weeks of May 4th and May 11th will consist of virtual training through an electronic platform.  The course content for these two weeks will consist of mandated training hours in courses that do not require accompanying written or practical examinations.  The thought process here was to 'buy' ourselves two additional weeks to better assess where things stand before physically receiving the Class.

2.) The Recruits will physically report to the Academy for 'Day 1'on Monday, May 18th to begin the residential portion of their training regimen.

3.) While we exceed the minimum established training hours in virtually every mandated course of instruction (33 total categories) we are considering condensing training hours in many of these courses and in some instances simply achieving the minimum.  This will, in part, allow us to get back on track for the anticipated Fall 2020 Recruit Class timeline and will also serve to shorten the overall length of stay for the incoming Class, particularly since we delayed their start date.

4.) We are still formalizing our protocol for screening of Recruits, Academy Staff, Instructor Staff, and others.  At this time we anticipate a thorough screening process on Monday mornings as the Class returns from weekend liberty that will be supplemented by periodic checks throughout the week. Staff will essentially be screened daily upon report to work.  During the two weeks of virtual instruction the Class will be tasked with taking their individual temperatures to establish a baseline for us heading into May 18th.  We are working with the Division of Public Health to devise the appropriate response with regards to exactly what our screening procedures will look like.

5.) Along those lines we are still engaged in dialogue regarding what 'next steps' will look like should a Recruit or Staff member become ill in general or upon ultimate confirmation regarding positive contraction of COVID-19.  Good bit of discussion and work left to do in this regard.

6.) In addition to the standard 'Rules of the Academy' we will also publish a secondary set of rules specific to our expectations regarding social/physical distancing on weekends and when off campus should we actually get to a point wherein several of our 'off-campus' partners resume normal business operations.  This additional set of rules will be stringently enforced.

7.) One of our biggest dilemmas presently pertains to how we address areas of instruction such as boxing, ground fighting and even EVOC...  With the ultimate goal of producing the highest caliber of Recruit possible we fully realize that areas of instruction like these will clearly be impacted - just not sure to what extent at this juncture...

Georgia

Georgia academies are not typically residential. There are a few exceptions. All law enforcement training is shut down for now, except for training delivered on-line. The situation will be reassessed weekly.

Idaho

Idaho POST suspended all training activity on campus on Friday March 20th with the exception of agency use of the driving track. We graduated one basic academy (Felony Probation and Parole) a week early and suspended two basic academies (Patrol and Misdemeanor Probation) and those students will be required to return and finish when we reopen. We also cancelled all three basic academies that were scheduled to start in April and will evaluate additional cancellations as the situation develops.

June 8th:

We are excited to provide this reopening plan for your information and action moving forward as we open our doors to complete student training from MPO #13 and Patrol #197, whose sessions were suspended due to restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Be aware that this plan applies to all training at POST from now forward, and is not limited to these two academy sessions. Also please note that in addition to numerous safety and screening protocols put in place for training here at the POST campus, we have also set a temporary class size limit of 32 students across the board in order to ensure that we can maintain effective physical distancing in our classrooms. Once those mandates/recommendations are lifted, we expect to return to our previous standards.

Idaho POST  Re-Opening Plan

Illinois

In Illinois we have seven Basic L.E. Academy’s and five Basic Corrections:

-Chicago is shutting down. (commuter)
-Illinois State Police is shutting down. (Residential)
-Cook County is still going to an April date and then do a temporary shutdown period. (commuter)
-Suburban L.E. Academy, is doing the same as Cook Co. (commuter)
-Police Training Institute (U. of I.) is shutting down. (residential)
-Southwest IL College is continuing and monitor. (residential)
-Macon Co L.E. Training Center is continuing and monitoring. (residential)
-Correction academy’s are evaluating as they go. (residential)

 

March 23rd:

In Illinois, all the academy’s have been shut down or suspended training.  This past weekend, our Governor ordered stay in place order.  We are working to provide some on-line or distance learning for blocks of instruction where capable.  Other concerns are the requalification’s for firearms.

Indiana

March 16th:

The IND Law Enforcement Academy is struggling with the same issues. Our academy is residential and we send our basics back home every weekend.

We are requiring self-reporting as well as peer reporting of any illness. If they have a temp of 100.4 or higher they are sent home.

We have cancelled all in-service training, in hopes of keeping as much potential virus out of the building as possible.

AS of today, we are continuing classes and reinforcing all CDC suggested hygiene practices.

 

March 17th:

In light of the coronavirus, the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy is suspending basic training for 8 weeks.

Our residential academy is currently training 157 basic recruits. The decision seemed inevitable.

 

March 32rd:

The Indiana Law  Enforcement Academy in Plainfield, IN (only true residential Academy in the state) sent our basic recruits home on March 17, 2020.(10 weeks into a 15 week program)  Our projected date of return is 8 weeks out but that is subject to the COVID 19 situation. In-service classes at the Academy are similarly situated.

As of today, March 23, 2020, we are sending all but a few critical  academy staff home for two weeks to shelter in place and where possible, work remotely.

We are working with the Governor’s Office to obtain an executive order addressing the mandate of academy attendance within one year of hire date. Our hope is the executive order, will extend the time to two years from date of hire to attend a basic academy.

April 9th:

Indiana is very similar to NJ. We sent basics home on March 17, 2020. Prior to being sent home, they were instructed to self-notify staff of any illness. If an illness was reported, temperature was taken and anyone at 100.5 or above was quarantined in a dorm room until 24 hours passed with no fever.

We anticipate a long closure. Our basics were sent home during week 10 of 15. Working on plans to bring them back and how to integrate the remaining training.

Our Academy is 600 hours but the state minimum is 480. Has anyone given thought to reducing the number of training hours from their current curriculum?  Just looking for ideas.

July 3, 2020

The main residential academy in Indiana suspended training on March 17, 2020, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, sending 155 students  back to their agencies.

On May 26, 2020, our training resumed, bringing 51 students back, two weeks at a time, keeping social distance in dorm rooms, cafeteria and common areas. Masks were mandatory while inside the training facility.

We used this rotation three times to get the class trained in all disciplines  suspended previously.

On July 3, 2020, the last group completed their training.

We plan to have a virtual graduation ceremony once our IT team gets all the video compiled.

Our next class begins Aug 3, 2020, with 100 students.  

Our sincere hope is the virus will not penetrate  the walls of the facility.

 

Iowa

March 17th:

Basic Academy recruits were returned to their departments. All remaining training for the two (2) classes was held online. Remaining practical skills validations were completed by Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Instructors at department level.

Specialty schools were moved to an online format or postponed until a later date as applicable.

March 31st:

Governor Reynolds issued a Proclamation of Disaster Emergency, in which Section Six pertains specifically to Iowa Code Chapter 80B and any provisions of the Iowa Administrative Code implementing those chapters.

April 2nd:

The Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Council produced guidance to all law enforcement agencies across the state regarding the proclamation. ILEA certified instructors were granted an additional twelve (12) months to obtain the required recertification training, and in-service training requiring in-person attendance was extended an additional twelve (12) months.  Basic Academy classes will continue as scheduled, and all training will be conducted online until such time as restrictions are lifted.

Kansas

KSCPOST Commissioners have suspended the 20 hour limit for online training during the 2020 annual training year (July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020).  The suspension is a pro-active measure to address agency and officer concerns regarding the receipt of annual in-service training and complications as a result of COVID-19.

April 9th:

We faced the same issue, and I concluded that given the limitations of staffing and facilities, there would be a choke point when students returned caused by those resource-intensive training classes (EVOC, firearms, DT, scenarios).  In working through it, we concluded that there really is nothing gained by offering the lecture classes online now.  In addition, separating the lecture from the practical exercise makes for a more challenging experience for the student.

Smaller academies do not have the same problems.  If I only have one class in session, and that class is not larger than what I can accommodate in the resource-intensive at one time,  it would be a different result.  KLETC, however, has 5 different classes in session at any given time.  We offset the start dates by 3 weeks so that they do not all hit the resource intensive classes at the same time.  If we started teaching online, those students (in five classes) would return all at the same point in the curriculum with nothing left but the resource-intensive training to do.

The bottom line is that offering the lecture classes online now sounds really good as a sound byte (i.e. “we’re not closed, we have just moved to an online format.”) but in reality because of those resource-intensive classes, it does not help and, in fact, negatively impacts training.

We are focusing our attention on continuing education classes online, developing classes like  “Policing in a COVID environment” and “Budget Forecasting During a Pandemic.” By the way, if anyone wants to use our online content, feel free to share it with your chiefs and sheriffs.  The training is free.  You can find it at:  https://www.enrole.com/kupce/jsp/index.jsp?categoryId=10030  I apologize now that the registration process is a little rough, but the content is good once you get in.  Some of it is Kansas-oriented, like the legislative updates but others would appeal to a broader audience.

We are also using June 1 as a likely return date for planning purposes.

 

May 11th:

The Kansas law enforcement training center is also planning to reopen.  Like Director Gabliks, we are first opening to the class that was in session with only two weeks left until graduation.  I have attached KLETC’s operation plan.  It should look similar to Oregon’s because we have been working with them regarding an appropriate protocol.  Thanks to Ericks’s staff and the KLETC staff (Al Sowers, Ron Gould and Tim Brant) who have worked tirelessly to develop a reopening plan that balances the need for first responder training against the risk of spreading the COVID-19 unnecessarily.

Kansas Training Center Reopening Plan

 

Kentucky

September 13, 2021

In Kentucky we conduct a PCR test on all recruits on their first day of the academy, on the first day back from any break longer than a standard two day weekend, and if the recruits are ever observed blatantly disregarding masking/social distancing rules (we have an arrangement with a nearby lab to return results within 24 hours).   Each recruit class is segregated from the other classes (we currently have 5 classes at once).  If there is a positive case, we retest (PCR) the entire class that produced the positive case weekly until we have all negative results.  The only exceptions have been that you do not need to be tested if either you are fully vaccinated (and can show proof) or if you have returned from quarantine and it has been within 90 days since your last positive test. 

 

We have had one recruit per dorm room during COVID, require masking, and socially distance at all times except DT and certain scenario training sessions.

 

Louisiana

March 24, 2020

Louisiana is advising all of our 27 POST Academies to adhere to our Governor’s “Stay at Home” proclamation - this proclamation requires all persons to stay home, and limit group contact to ten (10) persons or less.  Most of our academies have suspended training until at least 04/12/2020 (end date of current proclamation), or have limited training to some type of video instruction.  We will re-assess the status of training once the end date of the proclamation gets closer.

Maryland

Due to the ongoing public health crisis, ALL courses and academies hosted by MPCTC have been postponed or canceled until April 10, 2020.

May 12th:

The Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions (MPCTC) has developed a policy to restart the in-person training programs at the Public Safety Education and Training Center (PSETC) that were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The policy was created with guidance provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Maryland Department of Health and Safety, the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and in compliance with Governor Hogan's Executive Orders.

During the suspension phase, academies continued training utilizing remote training platforms and now will return to complete objectives that require "demonstrate" or Scenario-based Learning (SBL) to obtain their officer certification.  PPE guidelines were developed and incorporated to protect the staff, students, visitors and the community in which we serve.

Starting in mid-May, the Maryland State Police, the MPCTC Police Entrance-Level Training Program, the Correctional Training Academy, Parole and Probation and Department of Juvenile Justice will continue or commence training for all academy students. The mandated certification training programs will commence by remote training or a hybrid of remote / in-person training. We continue to research and collaborate in an effort to institute training programs that meet our current and future training needs.

The Executive Staff at the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions hope that by providing our policy, we can provide information you find beneficial.

Policy for Resumption of Academy Training  May 9th

Maine

Maine’s Academy had a Basic law Enforcement Training Program (BLETP) in session,  this is a residential 18 week program.  As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,  we suspended the BLETP program on 3/16/2020,  after week 11 and sent the cadets back to their parent agencies to help fill staffing shortages.  We also canceled a 5 week Basic Corrections Training Program (BCTP) that was scheduled to start on 3/19/2020.  In addition, we suspended a variety of in-service training classes that had been scheduled.

The Academy’s Board of Trustees met in emergency session on 3/19/2020 to review program statuses and voted to waive certain requirements to allow these officers to work.  The Academy’s staff have conducted certification testing for the cadets who had not been previously certified as reserve law enforcement officers,  this will credential these cadets as reserve officers and allow them to work in the interim.  We are actively working with our State’s University representatives for the potential of conducting remote classroom trainings at a variety of satellite classrooms around the state.  Several of our graduation standards to be certified require hands on and performance based testing i.e. defensive tactics, EVOC, firearms etc.  These standards are being evaluated to see if alternatives can be found or postponed until the pandemic subsides.

May 1st from Hennepin Tech College:

We will limit the number of people in the program and will break the teams down into smaller groups.  During Defensive Tactics they will be required to wear a mask.  We had discussions with the Minnesota Department of Health and they suggested wearing mask if within the six foot distaAnce.  They will be offered gloves to wear and if they want to wear glasses they can.  We will assign them one partner to do their DT stuff with instead of switching people around.  After doing certain drills they will be required to go wash their hands.

During scenario training, the same measures will apply.  When in a large open area (outside), and there is safe distancing they have the option to wear the mask or not.

We are currently finishing our Spring group and will start with our summer group on June 1.

Massachusetts

ALL MPTC and MPTC-authorized BASIC RECRUIT TRAINING WILL CONTINUE AS SCHEDULED.  All other MPTC and MPTC sponsored training is suspended. This decision is fluid and will be reviewed and revised on an ongoing basis.

March 18th:

The decision was made that ALL MPTC and MPTC-authorized full-time BASIC RECRUIT TRAINING and most reserve recruit officer training WILL CONTINUE AS SCHEDULED.  All other MPTC and MPTC sponsored training is suspended.

Minnesota

The POST Board has extended the renewal period deadline for those peace officer licenses that are due to expire in 2020. The renewal deadline has changed from June 30, 2020 to January 1, 2021.  

This will allow extra time for peace officers to get additional CE submitted to POST, not only to reach the 48 CE credit amount but also to attend any mandated training that they need such as EVOC, given that most of the courses were cancelled this spring. Hopefully, those courses will be re-scheduled once the emergency has passed and officers can then meet the requirements.

Nebraska

March 16th:

Nebraska is also a residential academy with students going home over the weekend.  Additionally, the Nebraska State Patrol Training academy is also on site.

Last Friday we implemented a few steps with  the recruits, basic handwashing/hygiene instruction, explanation of social distancing, self-quarantine over the weekend, report exposures or illness ( don’t return to academy) and cleaning has been ramped up.

It is anticipated that by week’s end we will close the facility to all but recruit training due to the  gathering size restrictions that we anticipate will be imposed.  Discussions have also been held about keeping the students over the weekend and conducting training over the weekend to expedite completion of their class. 

The academy staff is also identifying best practice on how to deliver on-line classes in the event we need to shut down.

 

March 17th:

Nebraska Law Enforcememt Training Center has closed its facility to outside users in an attempt to keep the academy open.  The basic LE academy has 17 days of training to complete before graduation.  We have taken an unprecedented step in keeping the students on site over the weekend and are conducting training in an effort to complete the course and send certified officers back to their agencies 2 weeks earlier that we had originally scheduled.

 

March 23rd:

Nebraska has closed the facility to all users except for the Nebraska State Patrol recruit class and the NLETC 204th Basic recruit class.  The 204th class remained at the facility over the weekend (and will next weekend as well) attending classes to expedite graduation from April 17 to April 3.  Additional schedule changes will assist in this.

The next basic class is scheduled to begin May 3.  We are maintaining that start date for the time being.  However, instructional staff continues to work on alternative delivery methods in the event that the first week (or so) of the next class must be delivered remote learning.

The Nebraska State Patrol continues to conduct their recruit training as previously scheduled.  Their students are allowed to return to their homes on the weekends and then are assessed when they return on Sunday evening.

April 9th:

Nebraska Student Health Screening Tool

Yes responses require either additional questions or telling them to go home and contact their health care provider.

Students were sent this same questionnaire and told to not come to the facility if they answered yes. 

This has also  been used for contractors on site.

 

The Nebraska State Patrol is currently conducting their recruit academy.  They are allowed to leave for the weekend and upon returning Sunday evening are screened. At any point if a recruit develops a temperature they are sent to a private room. They are told to contact the health care provider (off-site of this facility) and are monitored for fever and or other symptoms every two hours.  

Nevada

Here in Nevada the Governor issued an executive order to shut down “public schools”. We have taken the stance that our residential academy is training and we will not be shutting down. Understand that we are a residential academy with controlled entry and no public access to our buildings. We have implemented CDC guidelines in terms of disinfecting our facilities, we are limiting outside instructors and using only internal staff for roll playing. Obviously our attendees do not fall into the “at risk” category based on medical screening to enter our academy (age or underlying health issues). Additionally we understand that in policing, an inherent risk is communicable disease exposure. Part of training is teaching how to mitigate that risk and we are using that in a real sense to train the cadets. In todays world, where every agency needs bodies, the risk is far outweighed by the benefit of getting trained cadets to the street. Delaying the ability to field first responders puts the public at risk.

New Hampshire

In NH, we are delivering recruit training by online means with protocols in place to help with student accountability.  All in-service training has been suspended due to a state order that prohibits pre-planned meetings of more than 10 persons.  As we approach the beginning of the next session, we have rearrange the schedule to front load those topics that can be taught online and have pushed all hands-on, skills development and scenario training to the end of the session with the hope that social distancing protocols will be less restrictive and will allow for those classes to go forward.

New Jersey

In NJ we are screening the recruits upon return, basic questions about their health, as well as, contact over the weekend. We had one academy send 4 recruits home who rode together, one reported potential exposure.

We are requiring immediate reporting concerning symptoms or exposure.

March 23rd:

New Jersey has closed their law enforcement academies effective March 20, 2020.  We have three academies running a virtual video classroom for some academic portions. The closures will be reassessed on April 6, 2020.

April 9th:

In N.J. our academies have been closed since March 20, 2020, we are monitoring the situation and continue to follow medical guidance from the health agencies. Prior to closure we were screening recruits and staff with temperature checks, CDC standard of 100.4, we also had staff and recruits reporting potential exposure and symptoms. Anyone reporting potential illness were directed to medical professional, 14 day home quarantine as needed.

We have discussed waiving some elective material, some of our academies are using interactive video training for some of the academic course work, when we reopen they will move forward with DT, EVOC, Firearms.

September 13, 2021

In NJ we are requiring a negative result prior to start of academy, however, many of our academies are doing routine testing on a weekly basis.

New Jersey AG allows retired officers to be hired, without affecting their pensions

New Mexico

Our academies are keeping on schedule. Cadets have been instructed to self-report if they feel they have had an exposure over the weekend(s).

See more details on PoliceOne.com:  NM Academy stays open with new COVID-19 measures in place

March 23rd:

We have ten basic law enforcement academies:

Albuquerque PD Academy – graduated March 20, 2020
Bernalillo County SO Academy – still in progress with schedule modifications
Dona Ana County SO Academy – still in progress
Las Cruces PD Academy – paused academy for undetermined amount of time
Central New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy – still in progress
San Juan County Criminal Justice Training Academy – still in progress
Western New Mexico University – still in progress
New Mexico State Police Academy – still in progress
South Eastern New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy – still in progress
New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy – still in progress

We also have telecommunicator academies:

Central New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy cancelled their class scheduled to start March 16, 2020
NMLEA has a Public Safety Telecommunicator class scheduled to start on April 13, 2020

We are receiving equal amounts of concern regarding staying open (exposure) and shutting down (agencies need officers/telecommunicators)

New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy COVID-19 Mitigation Protocol

April 9th:

In New Mexico two of our academies have been closed since March 27, 2020, one since April 1, and three are still open. Three of our agencies running academies strictly for their recruits are still open. Once has “paused” as well and has re-assigned their recruits to different duties until they re-open.

Prior to closure students were issued an expectation notification (covering CDC and DOH recommended guidelines) and we were screening recruits and staff with temperature checks, CDC standard of 100.4. Staff and recruits reported potential exposure and symptoms. Anyone reporting potential illness were assisted in calling the state COVID-19 hotline for further guidance. We consider the academies in “pause” mode. They will pick up where they left off the day their academy closed. We have no definite re-start date as it will depend on the Governor’s easing of restrictions. Two of our agencies running academies strictly for their recruits are still open. Once has “paused” as well and has re-assigned their recruits to different duties until they re-open.

New York

The vast majority of academies are moving forward with recruit training in some capacity.  All indicated they have implemented additional CoV-19 safety precautions and are using social distancing to the extent possible.  Many have moved the scheduling around to avoid sections that require close physical contact and will resume those sections at a later date.  In addition, many of the larger academies are exploring distance learning options for sections that make sense.  We will be receiving and reviewing proposals for appropriateness of this delivery method.  NYPD graduated a class early, and is delaying the start for their next.  Not sure about the state police, state corrections, etc. because they don’t report to us.

North Carolina

In North Carolina we have approximately 63 delivery sites for our BLET program, the majority of them are through our community college system.  Many of our colleges are shutting down, to include the BLET programs.  Our code allows for a 3 week consecutive break which will help.  My Commission is going to have a special meeting tomorrow to address other concerns.

April 7th:

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 129 - Flexibility Regarding Certain LE Training Courses

April 24th:

Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET)
The following motion was passed by the Commission in accordance with the Governor's Executive Order No. 129:

    That any BLET course that began before or during the Governor’s State of Emergency that was declared on March 10, 2020, and that suspended their instruction during the Governor’s State of Emergency not be considered as having used any of the “three one-week breaks” allowed under 12 NCAC 09B .0202(b)(2):

        (1) during the State of Emergency; and
        (2) during the 30 calendar days after the expiration of the Governor’s State of Emergency, so long as the BLET course resumes no later than the end of that 30 day period.
 

Residential Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) Courses
The following motion was passed by the Commission for Residential Basic Law Enforcement Training:

    That for any BLET course that traditionally requires the students to be in-residence at the training facility, which began before or during the Governor’s State of Emergency, that was declared on March 10, 2020, and that suspended instruction during the Governor’s State of Emergency, the Commission concurs with the utilization of virtual training for the topics listed below, pursuant to the guidelines listed below.      

    GUIDELINES:      

    1. That virtual training only be completed on those BLET topics listed below.
    2. That the platform used for the virtual training be one in which the instructor is seen in the video, live streaming while teaching, and is able to monitor all recruits during the instruction.
    3. That the platform used for the virtual training allows for staff from the Criminal Justice Standards Division to sign-in and observe/audit the instruction at any time the instruction is taking place.
    4. That the School Director provide a detailed schedule, in advance, for the virtual training to the Criminal Justice Standards Division.
    5. That all end of topic tests be taken under proper supervision, as approved by the Director of the Criminal Justice Standards Division.
    6. That the recruits receiving the training be in a setting that is not accessible by nonregistered BLET Students. The location of each student must be part of the course plan.
    7. School Directors and Qualified Assistants must provide documented evaluations (F-16) that all course instruction was provided.
    8. The BLET course and School Director shall follow all other BLET rules as written in the NC Administrative Code.
    9. The plan submitted by the School Director must, after review by NC DOJ legal staff assigned to the Commission, be approved by the Director of the Criminal Justice Standards Division.

 

    TOPICS FOR VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION:      

    Nine (9) BLET courses of lecture instruction that do not require practical application:

    1. Juvenile Laws & Procedures (8 Hours)
    2. Arrest, Search & Seizure/Constitutional Law (28 Hours)
    3. Elements of Criminal Law (24 Hours)
    4. Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Laws & Procedures (4 Hours)
    5. Law Enforcement Communication & Information Systems (8 Hours)
    6. Communication Skills for LEO (8 Hours)
    7. Anti-Terrorism (4 Hours)
    8. Crime Prevention Techniques (6 Hours)
    9. Civil Process (24 Hours)

    Maximum Total Virtual Hours: 114

Ohio

The need for ample law enforcement officers to protect Ohioans is critical, but given the nature of their job, officers don’t have the option to work from home. What’s more, their frequent interactions with the public put them at increased risk of catching the coronavirus.

To help bolster their ranks, or provide backup should officers get sick, Attorney General Yost has directed the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) to expedite the final examinations of about 300 police cadets who have completed their schooling.

The attorney general also is working with local agencies to create a pathway for recently retired law enforcement officers in good standing to return to the streets. This would involve an extended period to complete required OPOTA training, as well as potentially minimized training requirements. More than 1,000 peace officers retire each year in Ohio.

Oklahoma

The  Council  on  Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) indefinitely suspended Basic Peace Officer Academy 20-01 as of March 20, 2020.  Academy Class 20-01 will be reconvened as soon as conditions render it safe to do so.

The  CLEET  statute,  70  O.S.  §  3311(E)(4),puts  a  six-month limitation on service by non-certified peace officers until they must either be certified or forfeit their peace officer  position.    However,  §  3311(E)(4)(a)  authorizes  CLEET  to  extend  thattime limitation for “good cause.”

CLEET’s rules also provide that individuals who cannot complete their initial academy will be afforded an opportunity  to  successfully  complete  another academy  so  long  as  such  training is  completed  within  one year of their initial hire or appointment date.  See Rule 390:10-1-2(e).  This situation is somewhat differentthan what the rule anticipatesas for most of your cadets, this is their “initial academy” and they have not failed to complete it.  Instead, their academy has been indefinitely suspended to be reconvened as soon as possible.  However, the spirit of the rule still applies.

Oregon

All basic academy training programs are suspended for at least four weeks.  All basic and leadership classes in session at the Academy were sent home on March 17, 2020 and will brought back when safe to provide training.  All regional and advanced classes suspended currently until the end of April.  All of the above suspensions may be extended as warranted.  Our plan is to in essence pick-up basic training where we left off when we can safely reopen the Academy.  All Academy basic classes scheduled for the future will be pushed backwards. 

DPSST Professional Standards Section working to address Oregon Administrative Rules for a variety of requirements such as maintenance of certification training, extensions for basic certification, CPR/First Aid card expirations, etc.  These will be addressed by the adoption of a Temporary Emergency Rule under either under the Governor’s Emergency Declaration or by calling a special meeting of the Executive Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training (BPSST).

DPSST’s collective bargaining agreement was amended through a letter of agreement to define essential personnel and other urgent matters not covered under our current CBA such as paid administrative leave if employees are directed to stay home.  We are also implementing six-foot social distancing among staff, flexible work schedules (including nights and weekends), etc.

DPSST staff from the Academy are being deployed to help support the state Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) by staffing various positions and sections such as planning, government relations, mass care, and others.  The Academy is being looked at as a possible location for the ECC as we have lodging and food service on our campus which would in essence isolate ECC staff from having contact with others.

Things are changing on a daily basis.  Our amazing staff are doing a great job taking care of each other, their families, and our stakeholders during these difficult times.

Oregon POST: Pandemic Planning

April 24th:

News Article: Basic Academy to Partially Reopen in May

May 11th:

The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) suspended all training classes on March 17, 2020 due to updated social distancing guidelines that were put into place in our state.  This resulted in four 16-week Basic Police classes being sent home along with other basic and leadership training classes.

Today we are bringing back Basic Police Class 397 which has completed 12 of its 16 weeks of training.  This class will be our first with new social distancing guidelines in place and we wanted to share it with you as we know many of you are working on similar proposals.

Basic Police 397 will be the only training class on campus this month which will allow us to implement the new protocols and evaluate them before we resume other classes.  Linsay Hale, our Interim Training Division and Professional Standards Division Director crafted these protocols with assistance from our agency staff.

Oregon Academy Health and Safety Protocols  May 2020

 

Pennsylvania

The offices of the Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) are currently operating remotely due to the statewide response to COVID-19.  While all functions related to municipal police officer certifications are still being conducted, users may experience delays due to communications issues and limited access by staff members to certain resources required for processing applications.  Below is some additional information addressing specific concerns related to obtaining and maintaining certification as a police officer during this situation.

Full Details from MPOETC

News Article Regarding COVID at Pittsburgh Academy

Rhode Island

 

Although it is not a residential academy, the Rhode Island Municipal Police Training Academy has shut down for the next two weeks.

April 9th:

RI is up and running. We were down for one week before instituting a distance learning model. After one week of distance learning, we reopened for practical training.  The platform is obviously much different then the typical Academy setting.  We currently have 49 recruits.  Our Municipal Academy is not residential in nature.

Recruits were divided up into 5 groups of 8 and one group of 9. We set up multiple training stations located at multiple training sites throughout the state. This permits for small groups of instruction which require fewer instructors. Moreover, the smaller groups have enabled instructors to meet their educational objectives in less time. Recruits are still required to meet the same standard established for all Academy sessions.

Before entering any training environment, each Recruit/instructor completes a questionnaire being used by the National Guard and their temperature is taken.  We take their temperature a second time halfway through the day.  All CDC and state restrictions with respect to social distancing are being adhered to.

South Carolina

South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy Suspends Training (News Article)

May 20, 2020:

The SC Criminal Justice Academy closed to students at the beginning of the pandemic, but has made efforts to graduate the two classes that were on the ground when the Academy closed. The ‘senior’ class had 38 students. Their agencies were contacted and told to have the students quarantine for two weeks prior to arriving at the Academy. For class, they were divided into 4 rooms for their first week, with instructors conducting ‘round robin’ teaching. The final two weeks, they were engaged in practical problems in very small groups.  Students stayed in separate rooms, ate at separate tables, and wore masks. This class did not engage in PT. They graduated yesterday.

This Sunday, we will have two Basic Law classes on the ground; they will be divided into groups of 20.  One class will be on the range while the other will be in our training village classrooms. Once these two classes graduate, all additional classes will be brought in 20 students at a time (so no class size larger than 20).

Starting the first week of June, we are bringing back a small Detention class that was here when we closed. They are currently under quarantine. That class has 25 students and will be spaced apart in the classroom and follow the same procedures as our Law classes (masks, etc.).

We have also moved some of our training to a WebEx format. Our Basic Telecommunications class and SRO class both will be taught this way. Students will come in person to test at the conclusion of their training.

 

South Dakota

As with many of you, our LE training in South Dakota has been significantly impacted by COVID 19 and current safety protocols. Training has essentially been canceled until our Governor allows state agencies to reopen, which is tentatively May 31st.  In the interim, we continue to provide basic training that is only in an online format through a partnership with a local college using the D2L LMS. This is being done to primarily help with our student backlog and staying within the statutory 1 year certification requirement – the possibilities of extensions are being explored.

The challenge is what to do with any scenario-based and practical skills training.  We’ve explored options such as identifying regional sites that have the staffing and facilities to meet this training. However, current safety protocols severely impact the ability to provide such training.

With that, as a point of discussion, how are other academies dealing with the need to provide basic training and the restrictions of current safety protocols when it comes to hands-on training.

Tennessee

Our response was exactly like Vermont’s below, except we are still convening limited in-service right now.

May 1st from Nashville Metro PD:

We currently have a recruit class in session with 55 trainees in it that started in February. We also began a second class this morning which is for lateral officers with an additional 20 officers.

For the class with 55, we have moved them to our gym and spread them out to follow social distancing. We adjusted their schedule for defensive tactics / hands on stuff until this week and are having them use PPE gear for that portion. For PT, we are doing it outside and are spacing them out for that.

We haven’t had any issues with sickness in the class of 55.

 

May 28th:

Reopening Tennessee LE Training Academy

 

 

Texas

TCOLE Technical Assistance Bulletin regarding COVID-19 Response

April 9th -  Irving, TX Police Department:

We screen daily for symptoms for staff and recruits.  Our academy has discontinued the contractors for now.  We have attempted to isolate ourselves from the rest of the department.  Our building is a separate site from the stations.  We clean in the morning and evening.  The custodial staff cleans during the middle of the day.

May 1st - Irving, TX PD:

We moved our PT to outdoors when possible with 6 feet distance between
students.  Maximum numbers at our academy are not an issue.  We did change
our protocol for the indoor range to every other lane during firearms.  We
regularly screen for any symptoms or exposures.  We sanitize morning and
evening.  We have not had issues.  DT is 4 hour blocks and sanitize mats
after each session.

No issues with 3 classes (5 in one, 3 in another, and 3 in the last).  We
will have 7 starting in 2 weeks.

I did rent the convention center recently to do a civil service test for 250
applicants.  Each person had their own 6 foot table 6 feet apart (The
convention center was the only building large enough to accomplish this
spacing).  The rooms were separated by movable walls limiting to 50 in each
ballroom.  We also had hall monitors and bathroom monitors.  We hired 4
paramedics to screen each participant as they registered and everyone had
masks.

May 18th:

This plan is specific to this academy class which switched to an alternative delivery method for providing classroom content (WebEx) pursuant to a TCOLE approved plan. All classroom content is exhausted and we have cadets taking some of our online crime scene courses online to deepen their understanding of criminal investigations. We resume the physical skill components of the training June 1 pursuant to the plan.

TEEX Re-Entry Plan

 

Vermont

March 16, 2020

We took several precautionary steps here, given that we’re also residential and the recruits go home on weekends:

  • We spent time with them last Friday to impress upon them the importance of self-quarantining over the weekend
  • They were ordered to report any exposure to anyone exhibiting symptoms
  • Staff here met all the recruits when they reported in last night, to check them for symptoms and check their temperatures
  • All eating surfaces in the dining area are cleaned with an anti-bacterial solution both right before and right after the recruits eat
  • Our building is essentially locked down, with all access badges except those belonging to staff turned off
  • Some staff have been instructed to work from home
  • Currently, we’re resisting postponing training, given that it would start a domino effect for us that would be disruptive, and we don’t have the ability to offer remote training
  • Skills testing has been adjusted to avoid any personal contact, but social distancing is challenging since some skills testing involves being within a few feet
  • In-service training has been postponed or cancelled

Given our operating parameters by the Governor, this is as far as we can go without shutting down training altogether.

March 24, 2020

Since I wrote that, the Sate of VT shut down attendance here at the academy and we’re presenting some training remotely while postponing skills training and testing.  All in-service training here in the building has been suspended. 

May 20, 2020:

This news article covers the reopening of the VT Academy:

Vermont Police Recruits Resume Classes

Virginia

DCJS is fully operational, but the majority of staff are working remotely. DCJS is not able to accomodate in-person visitors at this time. Thank you for your patience while we adjust to the circumstances.

Virgin Islands

The Bureau of Corrections has suspended in-person visitations at all correctional facilities and all volunteer programs, work details, and furloughs until further notice.

Department of Justice facilities on St. Thomas and St. Croix, including the Office of the Attorney General, are closed to the public and will not conduct person to person services until further notice. Services to be provided electronically or telephonically include administrative claims and questions regarding pending criminal cases.

Washington

After learning that we had a few students come to class today [March 16th], while displaying active symptoms (fever and cough), and the escalating number of cases in our region, we have suspended all training for 30 days.  Most support staff have been telecommuting for the past week.  Now all trainers will join the ranks of telecommuters.  We plan to take advantage of this time to do a TON of work on curriculum, etc.

September 13, 2021

The WSCJTC has BinaxNow COVID-19 Ag Cards (Rapid Test Kits) on site to administer to potentially exposed recruits.  The Rapid Test Kits are donated to the academy by the local jails, fire departments, and law enforcement agencies.  Unfortunately, the kits are becoming harder to obtain due to consistent increase in virus exposures. These tests will provide results within 15-minutes; however, the readings are more accurate four days after initial exposure.   

Recruits experiencing COVID-19 like symptoms must submit to rapid testing upon academy request or be sent back to their agencies until cleared to return by medical staff.  Recruits that test positive are temporarily dismissed from the academy until they obtain a doctor’s note confirming they are medically safe to return to training (normally after 10 days).  The infected recruit’s entire class and affiliated instructors are tested every morning in accordance with the four day exposure period.  Recruits in classes undergoing this testing period are not allowed to dine in the academy cafeteria with other recruits and/or staff.  These may obtain their meals from the cafeteria but must consume their meals at a different location (dorm rooms, outside, classroom, etc.) until after the fourth day of testing.     

Example: If the infected recruit tests positive on Monday, the entire class will be tested Monday through Thursday.  If the recruit test positive on Friday, the entire class test the mornings of Friday and when they return on Monday.   

The WSCJTC is experiencing more positive tests among fully-vaccinated recruits.  Although their symptoms are mild, they can still spread the virus.  Therefore, we do require fully-vaccinated recruits to rapid test as well.

The WCJTC routinely operates five and seven academy classes on campus.  Recruits are allowed to miss up to 10 percent (72 hours) of training and still graduate as long as they can pass exams and other proficiency testing (Firearm, EVOC, Controlled and Defensive Tactics, etc.).  Recruits missing more 72-hours will be recycled to another class or restart the academy from day one with another class, depending on the training missed. 

The response efforts constantly change as the pandemic is constantly evolving.  Currently, recruits are assigned one to a dorm room or hotel room.  There is consideration to return to two per living quarters.  Non vaccinated personnel are required to wear masks inside and outside.  Fully vaccinated personnel are required to wear a mask when inside and optional out outside. Appropriate social distance is also practiced on campus. 

West Virginia

West Virginia, currently operating as a single Academy state, initially shut down its entry level training classes, two were operating – a Basis class for all officers other than Troopers and a Cadet Trooper class, at the point national call recommended for stay at home, with our Governor issuing an order to do so shortly following that. Initial shut down was for one week, but has remained in place and will do so until Governor releases his stay at home order.

We have postponed the next Basic entry level training class that was due to start 13 Apr 20. A decision will be made on when it will be rescheduled once the other two classes have started back up. Decisions on screening and testing of participating officers is to be made concerning each of the questions posed here.

We had not previously been a program to utilize on-line learning components in our entry level training program, either prior to or during the Academy. With the postponement of classes the Academy staff has moved to present applicable on line related trng to the Cadet class in the area of traffic law. With the success of that venture we will be moving to present trng that is more classroom based to the Basic Class officers on-line beginning next week. A review will have to be made as to whether we will return fully to our prior model once officers return to the facility for future such classes or that some components of it will now move to on-line trng.

Wisconsin

Academy COVID-19 Academy Guidelines

Considerations on How to Keep Officers Safe (March 26th)

Considerations on How to Keep Officers Safe (Updated April 1st)

Best Practices for In-Person Training

Best Practices for In-Person Training (Updated April 1st)

COVID Screening LE Academy Form

Wyoming

Wyoming is a residential academy and we are experiencing concerns being raised by students and administrators. Our response protocol has been adjusted given CoVid-19 parameters (adjusted from H1N1) and now being reviewed by the Dept of Health. Unfortunately, we've received little guidance at this point, Our Governor has directed state offices to remain in business. We are also receiving inquiries from adjunct and guest instructors about continued operations, and at least three communities have enacted a ban on out of community travel for work which has resulted in law enforcement withdrawing students from Academy training. Considerations regarding cessation of all training for a 30 day period are taking place with a focus on the development of alternate training deliveries.  One thing for sure, this changes minute by minute.

March 23rd:

Our academy paused all training on 3-20-20.  All programs basic and advanced training will be reactivated at a point to be determined in the future.

May 29th:

The Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy will resume basic training class, on-campus, beginning Monday, June 1, 2020. Adjustments regarding dorm housing, cafeteria settings, group settings, and screening protocols have been established and put in place. These were tested during the week of May 18-21 when our interrupted peace officer basic training class was brought back in to complete final testing and practical exercises to complete their basic training and receive certification. Since single dorm occupancy is required, and social distancing in the cafeteria required converting a classroom for dining activities, we are only focusing on basic training courses at this time. Most advanced training classes have been canceled for the near future. See below the Wyoming Protocols:

WLEA COVID Protocol

FLETC

March 20th:

In the best interests of our staff, students, and contractors, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) ceased all on-Center training operations effective upon the conclusion of training Friday, March 20, 2020.  This applies to all FLETC training delivery points. FLETC is working with its Participating Organizations to safely move students off-Center as quickly as possible. No FLETC students or staff members are suspected to have or have tested positive for COVID-19. FLETC is working with its Participating Organizations to resume training when appropriate.

April 9th:

The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) is developing plans to reconstitute training at all of the FLETC training delivery points.  In an attempt to utilize established “best practices”, FLETC would like to request you share your plans for the following areas:

1.  Screening officers/recruits prior to them arriving at your facility for training, etc. 

2.  Screening officers/recruits, staff members and/or contractors prior to gaining entry into your training facility

3.  Providing on-going screening (daily, twice daily, weekly, etc.)

Additionally, are you developing any protocols to limit staff/recruit interaction outside of training (e.g. fitness facilities dining hall, etc.)?

Once developed, FLETC will share the final product with each of you.  Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Please respond directly to Charles.Brewer@fletc.dhs.gov

April 10th:

FLETC is planning to reconstitute an environment in which FLETC can resume its mission essential function to prepare federal law enforcement professionals to do their jobs to safeguard the American people and infrastructure.

FLETC Update in Detail

May 28th:

FLETC’s priority must be to restore the deployment of new law enforcement officers and agents to the field. Thus, FLETC will prioritize fulfilling 4 agencies’ requirements for Level I training, which FLETC defines as training that prepares federal law enforcement personnel to perform the essential tasks for the position into which they were hired, or for the essential tasks associated with new duties to which they have been assigned. FLETC will focus its immediate resources and capacity on fulfilling the urgent training needs of agencies that must deliver new officers and agents to the field.  

The first document is the detailed plan, the second document is the executive summary:

FLETC Reconstitution Plan

Screening and Security Team Executive Summary