DRAFT REPORT OF THE CITY OF SPOKANE USE ... - Samuel Walker

Mr. Earl F. Martin
RE: REPORT TO USE OF FORCE COMMISSION
December 3, 2012
Page 6
2-hours of training referred to as "Patrol Rifle and Shotgun Familiarization" which includes training
on how to a render safe the shotgun and patrol rifle and instruction for what was referred to as
"emergency operations." Note that probationary officers do not receive the full day of shotgun
training or the three day rifle course required by SPD to carry either weapon upon their return from
basic training nor did there appear to be a plan in place to deal with this concern. As noted herein,
the primary issue is the apparent lack of sufficient shotguns and patrol rifles to equip all of the SPD
patrol personnel who actually desire access to a long gun. That issue aside, a plan for when a
probationary officer will have the opportunity to complete either or both of those SPD long gun
training programs should be part of the Pre-FTO process, presuming they have a desire and the skills
required to be issued either.
With regard to our discussions on the content of the "Pre-FTO" training, Academy Training
Staff were very open to suggestions with regard to development of a checklist of additional training
needed for recruits after the completion of BLEA and a separate checklist for lateral officers hired
from other law enforcement agencies. Staff was also more than willing to seek out input on the
subject matter areas and amount of time necessary for the various subjects for inclusion in future
Pre-FTO training from the subject matter experts in SPD. As a result of the discussions with the
FTOs and instructors present at the meetings, it was determined that there was a need to increase the
number of orientation training hours for the recruits. As a result of this process the Pre-FTO
Training was modified from the subject areas and times listed in Exhibit "B" to the subject areas set
forth in the Pre-FTO Training Checklist for Entry-Level Officers (see Exhibit "D") and in the
Pre-FTO Training Checklist for Lateral Officers (see Exhibit "E").
STATE TRAINING STANDARDS AND MANDATES
The State of Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission requires 24-hours of
in-service training annually for all commissioned peace officers. Training must be recorded by the
employing agency in a manner that WCJTC can review. For training to qualify as a portion of the
24-hour in-service mandate it must be training that is widely or wholly applicable to law enforcement
officers in the State of Washington. The state allows the Chief of Police to make a written request
for a three month extension for personnel to comply with the 24-hour requirement. There do not
appear to be any specific mandates at the state level other than the 24-hour requirement.
During the initial meeting with Academy Training Staff, I was informed that the Spokane
Police Department training plan periodically includes training on subjects such as first aid and CPR
re-certification, blood borne pathogens and legal updates. Additionally, there are City mandates that
must be met, such as sexual harassment training. Training records for Spokane Police Department
personnel are maintained by the Academy Administrative Assistant. The Administrative Assistant
sends email reminders to individuals that do not appear to have fulfilled the training requirements