Learning Outcomes
The following outcomes will be addressed in the course:
Demonstrate the proper and safest methods to approach and apprehend high risk suspects
Identify dangers in responding to crimes in progress
Demonstrate appropriate approach and search of a building
Identify proper procedures for handling barricaded suspects and hostage situations
Demonstrate de-escalation tactics when dealing with persons in crisis and those who are mentally impaired
Demonstrate how to work as a team in active shooter situations
Explain tactics appropriate to use during the in-route phase of responding to crimes
Demonstrate proper tactics in dealing with individuals possessing weapons
Identify how critical incidents are addressed
Minnesota POST Board Learning Objectives:
3.1.1 Demonstrate effective and legible field-note taking including collecting crime scene intelligence from witnesses, victims and suspects.
3.1.2 Given crime scene scenarios, solicit information and gather and organize facts needed for a police report.
3.1.3 Given a variety of law enforcement scenarios prepare reports that: are written from the first person viewpoint, differentiate between facts, inferences and opinions, demonstrate correct use of grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, sentence and paragraph structure, are clear, complete, concise and accurate, and include all relevant details.
3.2.1 Discuss interview techniques used to: build rapport, encourage full meaningful answers and discourage suggestibility, clarify and corroborate statements, enhance memory, detect deception, and obtain information from a reluctant witness.
3.2.2 Discuss interview considerations and techniques for interviewing children, vulnerable adults and traumatized victims.
3.2.3 Discuss how and why interviewing techniques must vary depending on the interviewee and the circumstances, i.e., when interviewing children, traumatized victims.
3.2.4 Conduct interviews using procedures that: are appropriate to the situation, ensure the protection of individual rights, effectively gather information, encourage cooperation, and enhance memory.
3.2.5 Conduct interrogations of suspects using appropriate techniques to gather information, detect deception, and gain an admission or confession depending on the circumstances.
3.2.6 Explain and participate in evidence-based procedures for identifying suspects, i.e., lineup, photo lineup, and field identification, including blind/blinded administration of the lineup, instructions to the eye witness that the perpetrator may or may not be present, use of non-suspect “fillers” that match the eyewitness’s description of the perpetrator and do not make the suspect noticeably stand out and asking a witness to state his or her level of certainty, in his or her own words, as soon as an identification is made.
3.2.7. Describe how eyewitness memory works and how it can be impacted by estimator variables (e.g., lighting at the crime scene, distance from the crime, presence of a weapon, cross-racial factors) and system variable (e.g., lineup procedures).
3.3.1 Describe the relationship between good report writing and testimony.
3.3.2 Demonstrate proper courtroom dress and decorum.
3.3.3 Practice preparing for and presenting true and factual testimony in legal proceedings in accordance with courtroom procedure.
3.3.4 Practice managing cross examination and attempts to discredit.
3.4.1 Discuss how conflict management strategies depend on the situation and various strategies that may be useful in resolving situations involving individuals dealing with mental illness, substance use, or developmental disabilities such as autism.
3.4.2 Model reasonable and effective conflict management strategies and skills intended to de-escalate volatile situations including:
3.4.3 Model reasonable and effective dispute mediation strategies and techniques.
3.7.1 Describe and demonstrate how to make contacts, detentions and arrests including: reading Miranda rights and verifying understanding, selecting, applying and removing types of restraints, i.e. handcuffs, flex-cuffs, leg restraints, conducting a search incident to arrest, and describing procedures for conducting a strip search.
3.7.2 Demonstrate strategies and techniques for safely taking a person into custody in a variety of locations when: the subject is non-compliant or combative, there are multiple subjects to be arrested, and the subject(s) are larger and stronger than the officer.
3.7.3 Describe and demonstrate protocols and procedures designed to safely transport a person in custody.
3.7.4 Define the term positional asphyxia and describe its relationship to custody.
3.7.5 Define the terms booking, arraignment, bail and personal recognizance.
3.8.1 Identify officer survival/safety issues related to searches of a person, a vehicle, and a building.
3.8.2 Conduct searches and seizures in accordance with State statutes and criminal code and demonstrate conscious application of the concepts of reasonable suspicion and probable cause including: a legal, consensual search of a person, a custodial search, a searching and inventorying of a vehicle including explaining when a vehicle may be impounded, and a building search.
3.14.1 Discuss the peace officer’s role in active shooter situations.
3.14.2 Explain and/or demonstrate techniques and protocols for effectively and safely responding to crimes in progress.
3.14.3 Discuss peace officer response to various incidents involving animals, i.e., pet and pet owner issues, wildlife concerns, abused or neglected animals, loose or sick farm animals, euthanasia by officers and animal resources.
3.14.4 Explain law enforcement procedures for response to child and vulnerable adult abuse and neglect situations including: identifying behaviors, signs or symptoms indicative of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, maltreatment and neglect, completing mandatory reporting requirements, contacting appropriate social service agencies, explaining Munchausen by proxy and shaken baby syndromes, and explaining what sudden infant death syndrome is and how it is not a crime.
3.14.5 Identify mandatory reporters of suspected abuse and discuss where to report, what must be reported, the confidentiality of reports, and the legal ramifications for not reporting.
3.14.6 Discuss the collaborative child abuse team approach in investigating child abuse.
3.14.7 Discuss special interview consideration when dealing with children including the terms suggestibility and child centered interviewing.
3.14.8 Explain child welfare holds that allow officers to remove children from at-risk situations.
3.14.13 Discuss the role of peace officers in a variety of disaster and large scale emergencies including: the importance of initial on-scene assessment for immediate action and resources needed and for on-going threats and safety concerns, i.e., gas leaks, downed power lines, looters, fires, etc., the importance of interagency communications and cooperative interaction between law enforcement agencies, utility companies, and other resources, and large scale traffic and crowd management.
3.14.14 Given a scenario, explain or demonstrate an initial scene assessment.
3.14.15 Summarize the elements of the Incident Command System (ICS) including: the overall objectives and primary functions of ICS, the typical agencies that are involved in the ICS, the roles of emergency/first responder in preparedness and response systems during and after disaster situations, the typical hierarchical chain of command structure, and the role of the FBI if the disaster is related to foreign or domestic terrorism.
3.14.16 Summarize characteristics of systems involved in preparing for and managing large scale disasters including: the elements of the national preparedness system and the national response plan, and the purposes, key concepts and principles of the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
3.14.17 Explain law enforcement functions aimed at protecting critical infrastructure and potential targets from terrorism and/or natural disasters.
3.14.18 Discuss risks associated with domestic violence situations and safe approach techniques including: why it is best not to respond alone, the importance of gathering as much information as possible prior to response, the importance of initial scene assessment, and why it is important not to reveal the name of the person who requested police response.
3.14.19 Explain when an arrest is warranted, when an arrest is mandatory and the time period in which an arrest can be made in domestic violence related situations.
3.14.20 Manage a domestic violence scenario including: - performing an initial assessment of the scene for relevant cues, - calling for back up, medical assistance, child services, or other service as needed Taking reasonable actions to stop any on-going abuse including asking to see the alleged victim or subject of the call alone, requesting entry to residence if necessary to talk to victim and getting a warrant when needed, - employing communication techniques as appropriate to de-escalate volatile situations including separating involved parties, explaining rights to victims and providing victim services information, providing officer contact information to victim, and making arrest decisions based on probable cause, determination of predominant aggressor, violation of court orders, and other factors.
3.14.21 Discuss service of protective orders and discuss related risks.
3.14.22 Describe dangers associated with handling drugs and with drug production laboratories and related precautionary measures.
3.14.23 Describe behavioral symptoms that may be associated with drug use and abuse including the characteristics and physical effects of psychoactive drugs like methamphetamine.
3.14.24 Describe methods of transportation and concealment of controlled substances/illicit drugs.
3.14.1 Discuss the peace officer’s role in active shooter situations.
3.14.2 Explain and/or demonstrate techniques and protocols for effectively and safely responding to crimes in progress.
3.14.13 Discuss the role of peace officers in a variety of disaster and large scale emergencies including: the importance of initial on-scene assessment for immediate action and resources needed and for on-going threats and safety concerns, i.e., gas leaks, downed power lines, looters, fires, etc., the importance of interagency communications and cooperative interaction between law enforcement agencies, utility companies, and other resources, and large scale traffic and crowd management.
3.14.14 Given a scenario, explain or demonstrate an initial scene assessment.
3.14.15 Summarize the elements of the Incident Command System (ICS) including: the overall objectives and primary functions of ICS, the typical agencies that are involved in the ICS, the roles of emergency/first responder in preparedness and response systems during and after disaster situations, the typical hierarchical chain of command structure, and the role of the FBI if the disaster is related to foreign or domestic terrorism.
3.14.16 Summarize characteristics of systems involved in preparing for a large scale disasters including: the elements of the national preparedness system and the national response plan, and the purposes, key concepts and principles of the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
3.14.17 Explain law enforcement functions aimed at protecting critical infrastructure and potential targets from terrorism and/or natural disasters.
3.14.18 Discuss risks associated with domestic violence situations and safe approach techniques including: why it is best not to respond alone, the importance of gathering as much information as possible prior to response, the importance of initial scene assessment, and why it is important not to reveal the name of the person who requested police response.
3.14.19 Explain when an arrest is warranted, when an arrest is mandatory and the time period in which an arrest can be made in domestic violence related situations.
3.14.20 Manage a domestic violence scenario including: - performing an initial assessment of the scene for relevant cues, - calling for back up, medical assistance, child services, or other service as needed Taking reasonable actions to stop any on-going abuse including asking to see the alleged victim or subject of the call alone, requesting entry to evidence if necessary to talk to victim and getting a warrant when needed, - employing communication techniques as appropriate to de-escalate volatile situations including separating involved parties, explaining rights to victims and providing victim services information, providing officer contact information to victim, and making arrest decisions based on probable cause, determination of predominant aggressor, violation of court orders, and other factors.
3.14.21 Discuss service of protective orders and discuss related risks.
3.14.22 Describe dangers associated with handling drugs and with drug production laboratories and related precautionary measures.
3.14.23 Describe behavioral symptoms that may be associated with drug use and abuse including the characteristics and physical effects of psychoactive drugs like methamphetamine.
3.14.24 Describe methods of transportation and concealment of controlled substances/illicit drugs.
3.14.48 Explain or demonstrate law enforcement procedures for responding to situations and crime scenes involving juveniles as victims and/or offenders including: enforcing status offense laws, apply laws applicable to interviewing a juvenile, explaining the 72 hour hold rule governing shelter placements, the 36 hour hold rule governing detention hold, parent or guardian notification requirements regarding placements and detentions, and custody and liability issues, applying appropriate data practices rules governing incidents involving juveniles including who may request and receive juvenile data, and explaining to whom a juvenile may be released.
3.14.49 Demonstrate familiarity with Minnesota’s missing persons related laws (Minn. Stat. 626.8454, Minn. Stat. 299C.51-299C.5655, 390.25) and the definitions included therein.
3.14.50 Explain peace officers response and reporting responsibilities relative to missing persons.
3.14.51 Describe the role the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension plays as a resource in missing person investigations, missing and endangered children and child abductions.
3.14.52 Describe important information to gather relative to a report of a missing child or an endangered person.
3.14.53 Describe data systems and resources available to Minnesota law enforcement in the investigation of missing children and endangered persons.
3.14.54 Explain the purpose of and procedures for conducting a neighborhood canvas and other steps involved in initiating a search for a missing person.
3.14.55 Discuss what an officer should know, behaviors an officer should demonstrate, and communication tactics officers may find useful when interacting with a person struggling with a mental illness to maximize safety and more effectively approach a crisis situation including: why it is important to gather as much information as possible before arriving at a situation involving a mental health crisis, why it is important to respond in pairs and when to involve a mental health crisis response team if possible, why, unless the situation is immediately dangerous/critical, officers should not challenge or violate personal space and try to eliminate noise and distractions, the advantage of having one officer take lead in communicating, and the importance of having patience, building rapport and demonstrating compassion.
3.14.56 Given situations involving individuals demonstrating signs and/or characteristics of mental illness, behavioral disorder or suicidal intentions requiring intervention, demonstrate appropriate intervention techniques that are likely to be beneficial in managing the situations (Minn. Stat. 626.8455) including: modeling behavior that shows the importance of putting safety first, staying alert and the danger of complacency or taking anything for granted when dealing with an individual experiencing a mental health crisis, unless situation appears immediately dangerous/critical, avoiding challenging or violating personal space, trying to eliminate noise and distractions, having one officer take lead and open communication from a safe distance, using communication techniques designed to de-escalate volatile situations including: being patient, calm, honest and compassionate, using active listening skills while not encouraging or agreeing with delusions, using a calming voice, and avoiding challenging questions and allowing for venting.
3.14.57 Identify options for resolution of situations involving individuals in mental health crisis situations including: identifying resources/services that could be called for assistance, and Identifying steps necessary for obtaining an involuntary commitment order by a law enforcement officer.
3.14.58 Manage a sexual assault situation including: identifying the victim and if the victim is a child, vulnerable adult or adult, and adjusting communication and procedures appropriately, establishing rapport with victims i.e., making victims feel safe, letting them know the assault was not their fault, informing victims of the importance of their cooperation in gathering forensic evidence and pressing charges while ensuring victims understand that the choice is up to them, advising victims of their rights and providing them with a victims rights card, assisting victims in contacting an advocate when appropriate, determining and responding to the immediate medical needs of victims, communicating with the medical staff treating the victim regarding the need for a forensic evaluation/use of a sexual identifying, protecting, collecting and preserving evidence including photographs, clothing, seminal fluid, saliva, hairs, blood, bedding, fibers, etc.
3.14.59 Define the terms white collar crime and identity theft and describe the importance of evidence protection in investigation of financial fraud, white collar crime and identify theft.
3.14.60 Demonstrate appropriate response tactics when called to a situation involving a motor vehicle crash including: talking to and being aware of other responders on the road, demonstrating approach tactics appropriate to situation and weather related conditions and to block and protect the crash scene, demonstrating appropriate actions to safely and effectively manage the crash scene, preserving and processing crash-scene evidence, explaining the additional steps to be taken when responding to a “hit and run” accident, distinguishing between a required reportable accident and an accident not required to be reported, safely re-opening traffic lanes following crash response, interviewing drivers and witnesses and obtaining the required information to file the accident report form, assisting people who need medical help and/or transportation, explaining traffic crash reporting requirements and completing the State of Minnesota-Dept. of Public Safety Accident Report Form, explaining the use of the Fatality Report (PS-07093), organizing collected evidence for the case file, employing traffic direction techniques, and arranging for crash to be removed from the roadway.
4.1.1 Describe and demonstrate command presence and tactically safe approach techniques in a variety of law enforcement situations.
4.1.5 Demonstrate proper handcuffing techniques from several positions and under a variety of circumstances including: proper use of clear and concise verbal commands, techniques for use with cooperative and uncooperative subjects, team handcuffing techniques; both standing & prone, tactical positioning and subject control during handcuffing and searching, proper application of handcuffs (placement, tightness) and double locking, and proper positioning and transporting of handcuffed subject.
4.3.4 In real-time scenario exercises, make decisions about reasonable use of force.
4.4.1 Possess a valid driver’s license.
4.5.3 Demonstrate use of information technology tools to access, manage, integrate and create information for law enforcement and public safety purposes including interpreting crime data and trends.