In response to the many requests for training ideas, here is how unit-specific training was recently provided by the sponsoring agency to a newly-formed ACS unit associated with a division of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) under the State ACS
plan. Here are excerpts from the supervisor's report:
| Video tapes depicting the origin and history of the CHP; and mission and purpose of the department were shown, as well as its organization and structure. Books were also provided. A CHP officer with his K-9 gave a talk and demonstration of K-9 drug interdiction and handler protection. Another officer provided slides of drug interdiction stops. Both officers covered safety practices while in the vicinity of drug interdiction dogs. Also covered were the "Inconsistent and Incompatible Activities" policies of the Department. Each participant was provided a copy of that document and signed a receipt. Copies of the manual "Establishing and Maintaining an Emergency Communications Reserve as a Unit of Local or State Government" were distributed, along with "What is the ACS?", "ACS Mission", "ACS Charter", "ACS Unit Activation", "Volunteers-Issues and Images" and other publications. Additionally, participants were run through the Forced Options Training Simulator (FOTS), a computer generated simulation of a variety of hazardous situations. The intent was to provide the ACS unit an opportunity to experience some of the hazards faced by officers in the field. (End of Patrol report.) |
This quality of training is directly due to the active interest and participation of the unit's paid-staff coordinator, who is an Administrative Sergeant with the CHP unit. This is a MAJOR KEY in any unit's success. When a coordinator with this strong an interest is involved, the unit will prosper. Shortly after its first session this unit was used in a hazardous material spill on a major highway and received glowing reports of its service.
RSS Feed
