The Need for a Full-Time, Permanent Police Academy

COPJOBS TM

THE NEED FOR A FULL-TIME, PERMANENT POLICE ACADEMY

By Mickey Perry, Chief of Police - Claremore, OK

Reprinted from the January 1998 issue of Copjobs magazine

Presently there are over 8,000 full-time police officers in the state of Oklahoma. With few exceptions (Tulsa Police Department, Oklahoma City Police Department and Oklahoma Highway Patrol) these officers depend on CLEET (Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training) for training. Law enforcement agencies across Oklahoma are beginning to feel the effect of the deferred compensation plan (Louisiana Plan). Officers who first participated in the plan are reaching the mandatory retirement state. This, along with regular retirement, terminations and resignations is a major factor in an increase in the need for a large number of officers enrolling in basic training.

Last year approximately 451 officers graduated the CLEET academy. At this point, an officer can expect a 6-8 month wait to attend basic academy training. Whatever the reason, it is a situation that needs to be addressed immediately. Officers, by law, are required to receive or begin training in their first year of employment. This has resulted in larger classes and stretches CLEET staff. This not only makes instruction difficult, but safety also becomes an issue. (I want to make it clear, that I feel this problem was not created by CLEET as they are doing a great job under the circumstances.)

The need for a full-time permanent Academy is past due. CLEET has to utilize Vo-Tech or other classroom facilities, other Departments' firing ranges, other property for vehicle training, etc. HELLO! Get my drift?! The time is past due for this issue to be addressed by our legislators. Oklahoma law mandates three hundred twenty hours for Basic Training. Forty-one states mandate more hours for Basic Academy Training than Oklahoma, with Connecticut leading the way with six-hundred and fifty hours. If we increase the hours - just think what an increase the already overloaded CLEET staff will face. ( I am not even addressing the annual mandated eight (8) hour training which CLEET has to sponsor.

I feel that it would be very beneficial to the majority of the departments if radar training was included in Basic Training, AND (hold on for this one!) wouldn't it be great for all departments if an optional week could be added for breathalyzer/intoxilyzer training? (I said optional!) I know CLEET currently has nothing to do with breathalyzer/intoxilyzer training.

In time, we will see if the Collegiate Officer Program (COP) will relieve some of the pressure of this training problem. This is just the third full year, and although eight colleges are participating, it will take several years to determine what impact this will have on training through CLEET academies.

I guess my point in writing is what with over 8,000 officers, if we work together, we could possibly achieve some of the goals. This article was not in any way to be critical of CLEET. I think they, Dr. Jeannie Nelson and her staff, are doing a great job under the circumstances.

I am sure that some of you guys and gals have more and better ideas of training, but these are a few of mine. You know what they say about opinions, "_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _!" Well, this is mine. Until next time, "Be Careful!"

Sincerely,

Chief Mickey Perry