Overview
MPTC did not ensure that all lessons within the ROC curriculum that were delivered during the audit period were taught by certified instructors. We reviewed 10 ROC academies during the audit period and noted that 101 (22%) out of the 460 lessons were delivered by instructors who were not certified. Specifically, we noted the following (please note that the percentages are rounded):
- Of these 101 instructors, 61 (60%) were not certified at the time of instruction;
- Of these 101 instructors, 39 (39%) were not certified until after lesson delivery; and
- Of these 101 instructors, 1 (1%) delivered instruction with an expired certification.
In addition, for 72 lessons reported as being delivered, the RCTRs submitted to MPTC did not contain sufficient information about the instructor to allow us to verify their certification status. Specifically, we identified 54 lessons that were taught by instructors with the same name, 17 lessons where the instructors’ names were recorded as “Staff,” and 1 lesson where the instructor’s name was left blank. These issues made it impossible for us to determine which instructors actually taught lessons.
Without proper certification, instructors may lack the expertise or experience necessary to effectively teach the concepts, skills, and tactics that MPTC has determined to be critical for effective policing. This could lead to variations in the instruction that police officers receive, potentially impacting their ability to perform their jobs safely and effectively.
Authoritative Guidance
According to MPTC’s Academy Director’s Manual (Version: F2021), “Staff Instructors must be certified by MPTC.”
Reasons for Issue
MPTC did not have policies and procedures, including a monitoring component, to ensure that all instructors were certified before teaching the class.
Recommendations
- MPTC should develop and implement policies and procedures to monitor recruit training academies to ensure that instructors are certified at the time of instruction.
- MPTC should ensure that its RCTRs capture complete information about instructors (such as full name and Acadis identification number) so that instructors can be easily identified.
Auditee’s Response
The MPTC has established a Standards and Delivery Division to oversee the certification and renewal process for all MPTC-certified instructors. In line with this, new standard operating procedures (SOPs) have been developed to standardize the certification process and set clear prerequisites for becoming certified. A new form has been introduced to capture the names and Acadis [identification] numbers of all instructors scheduled to teach at the ROCs. Before any ROC is approved to proceed, these instructors are reviewed for compliance by the Standards and Delivery Division.
Additionally, a revised After Action Report (AAR) form has been implemented to capture more detailed information. This form now serves as a secondary method for recording instructor details and verifying certification status. The forms will now have electronic controls that will not allow submission for approval until all required information has been entered. These forms are also integrated into the Acadis system’s workflow, which ensures that they cannot be approved without review and authorization by the Chief of Training, Deputy Chief of Training, or Basic Training Division Manager. This system ensures comprehensive oversight and accountability in the certification and approval processes for instructors at the ROCs.
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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