Overview
The Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) did not ensure that all training academies delivered a standardized recruit officer course (ROC) curriculum. Specifically, we reviewed Recruit Curriculum Training Reports (RCTRs) for all 46 ROC training academies that commenced during the audit period and identified the following issues:
- Of these 46 ROC training academies, 11 had variations in the required number of classroom hours (ranging from 1 to 26 hours) and/or skill development hours (ranging from 1 to 18 hours).
- Of these 46 ROC training academies, 6 did not deliver all the required lessons. Lessons that were not delivered included topics such as crime prevention, interviews and interrogations, missing person investigations, sexual assault investigations, and water safety.
- Of these 46 ROC training academies, 2 did not submit RCTRs to MPTC.
- Of these 46 ROC training academies, 1 submitted an incomplete RCTR to MPTC.
- Of these 46 ROC training academy directors, 13 did not certify the RCTR that they submitted to MPTC.
By not delivering a standardized training curriculum, MPTC provides inadequate assurance that all police officers in the Commonwealth have been exposed to the concepts, skills, and tactics that have been determined to be critical for effective policing by the law and MPTC. This may lead to inconsistent law enforcement practices, which may jeopardize the safety of the public and police officers because law enforcement officers may not be properly equipped to perform their jobs safely and effectively. This also creates financial risk for municipalities that employ officers who are insufficiently trained.
Authoritative Guidance
Section 4(f)(1) of Chapter 6E of the Massachusetts General Laws states,
The division of police certification and the municipal police training committee . . . shall jointly establish minimum certification standards for all officers that shall include, but not be limited to: . . . (iii) successful completion of the basic training program approved by the municipal police training committee.
Reasons for Issue
MPTC did not have sufficient policies and procedures, including a monitoring component, to ensure that all training academies delivered a standardized ROC curriculum, that academy directors properly prepared and submitted RCTRs to MPTC, and that MPTC management reviewed the RCTRs.
Recommendations
- MPTC should develop and implement sufficient policies and procedures, including a monitoring component, to ensure that all training academies deliver a standardized ROC curriculum.
- MPTC should ensure that training academies submit all required RCTRs.
- MPTC should review and approve RCTRs to ensure that the standard ROC curriculum is delivered at all training academies and that academy directors certify RCTRs.
Auditee’s Response
The MPTC has made significant strides in establishing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for its training academies (referred to interchangeably as a “Police Academy” or “Recruit Officer Course” or “ROC”) since the start of the audit period. These SOPs are currently being implemented, alongside a new system for documentation. A key element of this system is the introduction of new webforms that will capture more detailed and specific information, with built-in measures to ensure the mandatory input of required data.
These webforms will be generated electronically and stored within Acadis, with an integrated workflow to support monitoring and compliance. One of the critical webforms is the pre-Academy form, which will outline each block of instruction, along with the names and Acadis [identification] numbers of the instructors. These forms will undergo a review process prior to the start of each Police Academy to ensure compliance with instructional standards and instructor certifications. The review will be conducted by the MPTC’s Chief of Training, Deputy Chief of Training, or Basic Training Division Manager.
After the completion of each Police Academy, an After Action Report (AAR) will be submitted for review by the MPTC’s Chief of Training, Deputy Chief of Training, or Basic Training Division Manager, who will be responsible for approval and final sign-off. In addition, the MPTC is developing a monitoring component for course curricula and instructor performance. This will be managed by the Academy Directors, who will enter data into a project management system for monthly reporting, further enhancing Police Academy accountability and oversight.
Auditor’s Reply
Based on its response, MPTC is taking measures to address our concerns regarding this matter.
| Date published: | December 26, 2024 |
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