TRAINING

Training is one of the most important responsibilities in any law enforcement agency. It serves three broad areas.

First, well trained officers are generally better prepared to act decisively and correctly in a broad spectrum of situations.

Second, training results in greater productivity and effectiveness.

Third, training fosters cooperation and unity of purpose.

Furthermore, agencies are now being held legally accountable for the actions of their personnel and for failing to provide initial, remedial, or update training. The Holmdel Township Police Department recognizes the importance of training and is committed to providing the best available.

The goals of the Holmdel Police Department Training Program include:

1.         Meet the training needs of the Police Department.

2.         Provide better-educated and more professional personnel.

3.         Provide more efficient and effective accomplishment of the Holmdel Police Department’s goals and objectives.

4.         Improve community relations.

5.         Provide career development opportunities within the Police Department.

6.         Provide training in specialized areas of law enforcement.

7.         Provide consistent training within the Police Department pertaining to law enforcement responsibilities.

8.         Ensure effective use of all training time.

9.         Ensure equity and balance regarding the employees being trained.

10.       Ensure records of all training are maintained.

Training is a continual process involving all members of the Police Department. 

The overall training function is established by the Chief of Police with the aid of a Training Officer. The Training Officer’s responsibilities include:

a.         Planning, developing and implementing training programs.

b.         Training for both sworn and civilian personnel.

c.         Notifying personnel of required training.

d.         Maintaining training records.

e.         Assuring that officers attend training programs as mandated and records of this attendance are maintained.

f.          Assisting in selection and training of instructors.

g.         Evaluating current training programs.

h.         Coordinating training programs.

i.          Acting as liaison between the Holmdel Police Department and any Training Academy utilized by the Department.

j.          Ensuring that all training activities are conducted within the framework of the Police Department’s goals and objectives.

k.         Over-seeing recruit training and the Field Training Officer Program.

The Training Officer is responsible for keeping up-to-date regarding training courses provided through area police academies, the Attorney Generals Office, the State Police, and Federal agencies.  The Police Department may send  personnel to training classes when the course content and the knowledge gained is deemed beneficial for the Department.  Employees who show an interest or  desire in attending specific training classes may be scheduled when the budget  and staffing allow for their attendance at these classes.  Courses offered by the private sector will also be considered in the same manner.

Categories of Training

Academy Training

Pursuant to State Law, all Holmdel Police recruits must successfully complete a State recognized Police Academy. Until a recruit successfully completes this training, they will not have the powers of arrest, nor will they assume any responsibility which would entail police powers, nor will they be issued a firearm.

All Academies used by the Holmdel Police Department are approved by the New Jersey Police Training Commission. The Commission mandates specific standards, unit goals, and performance objectives to be achieved. They also review all lesson plans to be utilized by the academies as well as allotted time for instruction.  Most Academy training lasts a minimum of 5 months.  While attending the Police Academy, recruits are governed by the rules and regulations of that Academy.

The Holmdel Police Department supplies Officers to instruct at the Police Academy whenever needed.

Field Training Programs

Certain Holmdel Police Officers serve as Field Training Officers (FTOs).  Each newly appointed Officer is “assigned” an FTO who assists them with “on the job training” during their first year (known as their Probationary Year).  The FTOs complete and submit evaluation reports on the new Officer’s progress; weekly for the first month, monthly for the first year.  The Department Training Officer supervises Field Training Officers and oversees the FTO Program.

Field Training Officers are selected using the following criteria.

1.         Job knowledge in assigned work area

2.         Interest in instructing

3.         Service and attendance record

            4.         Time in service

5.         Supervisor’s recommendation

6.         Personality

7.         Special training or skills.

8.         Final approval by the Chief of Police.

In-Service Training 

A Police Officers education does not end when he or she graduates the Police Academy.  Throughout his career he must attend numerous programs and seminars such as:

• High Risk Motor Vehicle Stops
• Use of Chemical Agents
• Supervision Courses
• Investigating Computer Crimes
• Bias Crime
• DWI Detection
• Breathalyzer Certification
• Criminal Law Updates
• Motor Vehicle Law Updates
• Arrest, Search & Seizure
• Miranda Warnings
• Crime Victim’s Rights
• DEA Narcotic School
• Controlled Dangerous Substances
• Police Patrol Bike Training
• Detective Skills Enhancement
• Crisis Negotiations
• Juvenile Issues
• Police Backgrounds Investigation and the Selection Process
• Motor Vehicle Accident Investigations
• Traffic Analysis
• Crime Scene Examination
• Photo Lineup Procedures
• Search Warrant Execution
• Terrorism
• Weapons of Mass Destruction
• Computer Operating Courses

In-House Department Training 

The Holmdel Police also conducts quarterly in-house training.  The classes are presented by Officers of the Police Department or by outside professionals who are brought in.  Much of this training is mandatory under State Law and Officers must re-qualify at least annually, examples include:

• Review of all Police Policies and Procedures
• Review of the NJ Attorney General’s Guidelines
• Domestic Violence Review
• Vehicle Pursuits
• Megan’s Law
• Sexual Harassment
• Use of Force
• Use of Impact Weapons
• Cell Block Management
• Suicide Awareness
• RADAR Certification
• Work Zone Safety
• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Infectious Diseases (Ryan White Act)
• Right to Know Training
• Report Writing
• Basic Life Support and First Aid
• CPR Certification
• Defibrillator Training
• Handling Subjects with Alzheimer’s
• Legal Updates