CATALOG OF COURSES OFFERED BY CSOC

 

Background Investigations -This course is designed for both background investigators, supervisors and human resource policy makers.

Law enforcement strives for professionalism; however, abuses by officers cast a negative light on entire organization. An examination of the past behavior of some involved officers reveals that a pattern of undesirable behavior existed prior to appointment as a police official. This behavior was unknown to the hiring agency due to inadequate or non-existent applicant screening. The integrity and ethical reputation of a police department mandates a thorough background investigation of police applicants. This course offers a systematic approach to background investigations which will assist in making informed hiring decisions. 

Class Length: 1.5 days

Carbine Instructor Course - This 44-hour, POST-reviewed Carbine Instructor Certification course is designed to provide law enforcement firearms instructors the necessary skill and knowledge to develop and operate a law enforcement carbine program for their agency. Students will learn how to develop and maintain a carbine program, operate training ranges, diagnose shooting errors then make sustainable corrections in other shooters.

The student will develop and practice the ability to instruct: appropriate set up and accessories for the carbine, weapons maintenance, fundamentals of shooting, proper zeroing, “combat” shooting techniques, use of various positions and cover, efficient weapons manipulation skills, malfunction clearances, understanding wound ballistics, tactics and techniques for fighting with the carbine, extended range shooting, low light / night techniques, and use of optical sights.

Prerequisites:

Students must be a current sworn Law Enforcement Officer and completed a basic handgun / firearms instructor certification, and a carbine / patrol rifle operator certification

Students should expect a fast paced and physically active learning environment that will include running, kneeling, and quickly assuming various unique shooting positions.

Within 5 business days of enrollment, each participant must submit an email to Molly Thomas, [email protected], from his/her supervisor confirming that the agency supports and approves of the participant’s registration in the class with certificates showing completion of the handgun instructor and rifle operator certification attached.

Student must provide carbine w/ tactical sling and light, 100 rounds handgun ammo, 3 or more magazines, 1200 rounds carbine ammunition, duty belt / holster / handgun, tactical vest (optional), 5 dummy rounds, hat, ear protection, eye protection (sunglasses and clear eye pro), flashlight and weapons mounted light (carbine) binoculars or a spotting scope, shooting mat (optional) notebook, pen, and laptop.

Equipment Requirements:

The use of compensators or muzzle brakes ARE NOT ALLOWED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. Factory A2 or birdcage style flash suppressors, or three or four-prong flash-hiders are permitted. Suppressors are encouraged. Blast forward devices are approved (ie. Surefire Warden), but these devices must direct ALL gas forward and in line with the barrel and remain in place throughout the training. Any muzzle device possessing ports, holes, etc. that let gas escape in any direction not directly in line and parallel to the barrel will NOT BE ALLOWED. This requirement is designed to reduce the hearing damage and concussive effect inflicted upon the person to the left and right of you on the firing line.

Any safety violations will result in immediate dismissal from class. 

 

CIT – Crisis Intervention Teams – The Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) model was developed in 1988 in Memphis, Tennessee, as a partnership between the police department, advocacy groups and treatment providers for people with mental illness, and other community stakeholders. Since that time, many law enforcement agencies have adopted the problem and have realized significant benefits in their communities through dramatic declines in injury rates among both citizens and police officers, decreased utilization of the SWAT team to resolve crisis situations and the diversion of people with mental illness from incarceration to community-based mental health services. The goals of CIT are to train law enforcement officers in the recognition of mental illness, to enhance their verbal crisis de-escalation skills, and to provide more streamlined access to community-based mental health services. By engaging mental health consumers with appropriate community supports, the well-being of the individual and the safety of the community can both be enhanced.  To that end, this class will include site visits to mental health service providers in the local community to help officers and deputies learn what services are available for people they contact who have mental illness, and to provide community re-entry services for people getting ready to leave jail. 

The class is taught by law enforcement personnel from Colorado agencies with extensive experience in CIT situations and training. 

Class Length: 5 days

 

Dare to be Great – Dare to Be Great is a philosophy focused on growing the courage to embrace excellence, fight mediocrity, say no to the status quo, stop chasing best practices and strive for greatness in your life, your leadership, and your organization. Now, more than ever, we need courageous leaders who are committed to the pursuit of excellence in their own lives and committed to inspiring greatness in the men and women they serve in their organizations. Greatness, like leadership, is a choice and a process. It takes time, it takes work, and it takes commitment. The benefits are significant and are well worth the time and effort.

This engaging, interactive, and reflective workshop will explore a series of questions to help you on your journey to becoming a great law enforcement leader. Dare to be Great builds on two guiding questions and three foundational rules, which will serve as a guide for making courageous, ethical decisions. The emphasis in the workshop is to move away from unproductive questions such as, “Who is to blame for this?” and shift to growth questions such as:

  •  What piece of this do I own?
  •  What did I as a leader learn from this experience?
  •  How can I as a leader, and we as an organization grow from this experience?

While you will leave with strategies and tools to help you be a better leader, the goal of the workshop is for you to walk away with more questions than answers. It is the process of working through those questions that will help you on your journey be the leader your family, your personnel, your agency, your community, and the profession need you to be, and deserve you to be.

Course length: Dare to Be Great: The Leadership Challenge is an 8-hour workshop taught by Brian Willis, an internationally recognized expert on the leadership in law enforcement.

Class Length: 1 day

 

Detentions Skills Mini-Academy - The Detention Skills Mini-Academy is designed to provide interactive and hand-on skills training to Colorado detentions officers.  It supplements the CSOC Knowledge Factor On-line Detention Academy but can be taken as a stand-alone class by both new and experienced detention staff.

  • Day I address professionalism, including ethical behaviors required of a detentions officer, development of critical thinking skills, problem solving and decision making, crisis management skills and an introduction to leadership and management.
  • Day II is Who’s in Your Jail:  Managing Inmate Behavior
  • Day III is Managing Critical Incidents, presented via scenarios and case studies designed to prepare the detentions officer for managing incidents within the jail.
  • Day IV is Assessing and Responding to Emotionally Disturbed Inmates
  • Day V provides drills and scenarios on handcuffing and restraints, searching both inmates and the facility, transporting inmates and other physical skills.

The instructors for the 5-day class are drawn from facilities across the state and have many years of experience in the field.

Class Length: 5 days

 

Front-Line Leadership Institute - The NEW 40-hour Front-Line Leadership Institute (FLLI) provides participants a foundation for their law enforcement careers. Delivered face-to-face over five days by an experienced facilitation team, the course involves a pre-course phase, 11 modules, and nightly homework exercises, culminating in a graduation event on day five. Post-course engagement includes reading, journaling, and developing an individual leadership philosophy. Each course delivery is limited to 30 front-line leaders and others identified by their leadership as high-potential law enforcement professionals.

  • Participants will gain an appreciation for senior leader expectations of front-line law enforcement leaders
  • Participants will have a foundation for personal and organizational definitions of leadership and how it is practiced in general and in their agencies/departments; additionally consider key skills, abilities, behaviors for future front-line leaders
  • Participants will recognize various ethical constructs, understand ethical dilemmas, and be able to apply those frameworks to ethical decision-making
  • Participants will understand the four domains of emotional intelligence, its criticality for leadership and law enforcement, themselves and their capabilities with these skills, and a    practice methodologies for personal improvement
  • Participants will understand the differences between disagreement and conflict, the life-cycle of conflict, and their leadership roles in conflict management
  • Participants will develop and utilize a model for communication, understand barriers/noise, and be provided a collection of tools to implement in improving this leadership imperative
  • Participants will understand the difference between mentoring and coaching, the unique characteristics of performance evaluations/reviews in comparison to coaching, and be provided a practical coaching framework for daily implementation
  • Participants will gain an appreciation for the history of the law enforcement profession –in their municipalities, counties, regions, and across Colorado
  • Participants will consider their personal approaches to accountability and be provided a framework that enables more positive interpersonal accountability
  • Using a historical example, participants will better appreciate the aspects necessary to build and mature small teams
  • Participants will explore delegation–their personal attitudes and an approach to build a healthier delegation habit
  • Participants will explore the four hurdles that ultimately stall effective decision-making –poorly defined roles and responsibilities, incomplete delegation, poor organizational cultures, and individual issues with decision-making
  • As a culmination event, participants, working in small groups, will apply course concepts to a series of vignettes

Class Length: 5 days

 

Leadership in Police Organizations (LPO) - In an attempt to address the future leadership needs of law enforcement organizations nationwide, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) sought to create a solid leadership and leader development product to serve the growing needs of law enforcement.  The result of their work with several noted law enforcement and leadership educators at West Point and the University of Texas was the development of a leadership training program based on the principles of dispersed leadership – the Leadership in Police Organizations (LPO).  Dispersed leadership essentially states that every member of an organization can be a leader.  Dispersed leadership training produces both the catalyst for change and offers a blueprint for leadership training in law enforcement organizations. Course content is divided into four areas taught over three weeks of instruction.  Each area explores leadership at a different level:

Course content is divided into four areas taught over three weeks of instruction.  Each area explores leadership at a different level:

  •  Area I:  The Individual System (Leading Individuals) features the concepts of individual motivation with an emphasis on the leader’s thought process which is a problem-solving approach to resolving some of the most common personnel issues that leaders face and the fundamental process that supports each lesson throughout the three-week course.
  •  Area II:  The Group System (Leading Groups) builds on the previous week, adding concepts of group formation and process, as well as an overview of several critical skills necessary for leading groups.
  • Area III:  The Leadership System (The Leaders) explores theories of individual leadership and how students can improve their effectiveness with their people and teams.
  •  Area IV:  The Organizational System (Leading Organizations) focuses on organizational concepts such as leading change, creating and maintaining an ethical culture, and better understanding the environment in which organizations work.

Class Length: This program is held over three weeks with a three-week break between weeks.  You will be registering for a total of three weeks of class conducted over three months’ time.

 

FTO - Basic Field Training Officer Certification Program - Any newly selected or experienced law enforcement officer, corrections officer, or dispatcher empowered to train agency members in a one-to-one training environment will benefit from this FTO course. No previous training experience is necessary. Our trainers strive to inspire those that are empowered to develop others in your agency. Our courses incorporate multi-media approaches to instruction to include scenarios, discussion groups, exercises, self-directed development, and role plays. In addition, our Field Training Program incorporates performance observations, feedback exercises, safety management, and problem diagnosis. Complete course participation is required to graduate from the program. Program graduation is dependent of the performance of the participant and the successful completion of a cumulative training scenario. Upon graduation, the Field Training Officer will have practical skills that they can apply in their training environments to include;

  • The Role of a Field Training Officer
  • Leadership
  • Stress and Safety Management
  • Adult Instruction and Teaching Methodologies
  • An Understanding of a San Jose Modeled Training and Evaluation Program.
  • Unique Training Strategies for a One-to-One Teaching Environment.

A graduation ceremony includes a program certificate, graduation pin, and graduating class photo.

Class Length: 5 days

 

Internal Affairs Investigations - Complaint Processing and Procedural Responsibilities – Law enforcement administration is charged with the responsibility and has the authority to maintain discipline within the police department.  The community has an expectation that this responsibility will be fulfilled in a professional and responsive manner.  Citizens should be provided a fair and effective avenue for redress of their legitimate grievances against members of the department.  The police department also has the responsibility to protect members of their agency from false allegations.  This course offers a global perspective to the subject of internal affairs investigations in a systematic framework designed to enhance thorough investigations.  This information is relevant for both the agency command staff and the internal affairs detective or supervisor.

Topics will include:

  • Current Events in Internal Affairs
  • Examination of Employee Rights
  • Types of Complaints
  • Complaint Processing and Investigations
  • Disciplinary Procedures
  • Documentation Procedures
  • Early Intervention Systems
  • LEGAL/LEGISLATIVE

Class Length: 1.5 days

 

PREA Prison Rape Elimination Act Staff Training - This is a 3-hour class for employees, medical staff, facility contractors and volunteers that will provide training on: 

  • How to fulfill your responsibilities under PREA’s sexual abuse and sexual harassment prevention, detection, reporting, and response policies and procedures.
  • An inmates’ right to be free from sexual abuse and sexual harassment.
  • The right of inmates and employees to be free from retaliation for reporting sexual abuse and sexual harassment.
  • The dynamics of sexual abuse and sexual harassment in confinement.
  • The common reactions of sexual abuse and sexual harassment victims.
  • How to detect and respond to signs of threatened and actual sexual abuse.
  • How to avoid inappropriate relationships with inmates.
  • How to communicate effectively and professionally with inmates, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, or gender nonconforming inmates.
  • How to comply with relevant laws related to mandatory reporting of sexual abuse to outside authorities. 

Each student will be provided with an “Employee Desk Reference" to assist them during class and after class when responding to PREA incidents.

This class meets PREA standards 115.31, 115.32 and 115.35 for training. If you attend the PREA Investigator training, you do not need to attend this class.

Class Length: 3 hours

 

PREA Prison Rape Elimination Act Investigators Training -The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) was passed in 2008 and requires, among other things, that allegations of sexual abuse and harassment be investigated completely and in a timely manner. 

This is an 8-hour class for investigators that will provide training on:

  • An Inmates’ right to be free from sexual abuse and sexual harassment.
  • The right of inmates and employees to be free from retaliation for reporting sexual abuse and sexual harassment.
  • The dynamics of sexual abuse and sexual harassment in confinement.
  • The common reactions of sexual abuse and sexual harassment victims.
  • Conducting investigations in confinement settings.
  •  Techniques for interviewing sexual abuse victims.
  • Proper use of Miranda and Garrity warnings.
  • Sexual abuse evidence collection in confinement settings.
  • Criteria and evidence required to substantiate a case for administrative action or prosecution referral.

 

Each student will be provided with an "Investigator Desk Reference" to assist them during class and after class when conducting PREA investigations.

This class meets the PREA standard 115.34 for Investigator training. If you attend the PREA Investigator training, you do not need to take the PREA Jail Staff/Employee training.

Class Length: 1 day  

                                                       

POST Handgun Instructor Program - The Firearms Instructor class is designed to develop instructors to teach in their agency firearm program and can lead to certification for Academy training if the participant also completes the required POST Train the Trainer 40 Hour Course.  The Firearms instructor course follows the POST firearms curriculum, available at www.coloradoattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/2010POSTManual.pdf.  The class focuses on preparing an instructor to coach shooters to become proficient with firearms and is not a remedial training course for poor shooters.  POST currently requires that all students must qualify on the first day of class with a 100% score.

Attendees are required to provide a letter/email of approval to attend from a supervisor and copy of their handgun qualification certificate within 5 business days of registration. 

Class Length: 5 days

 

Kleiber Investigations Red Dot Sights Firearms Instructor Course - The student will obtain the skill and knowledge to instruct other law enforcement officers in the use of reflex ( red dot) sights as a primary sighting instrument for their duty handgun.

Students will obtain the knowledge to develop and implement a reflex sight transition program and an in-service training program for their agency.

Course Objectives

• Understanding the Reflex Sight
• Equipment Available Guns, Sights, Holsters
• Presentation / Draw
• Recoil Management
• Low Light/ Flashlight Issues
• Emergency/ Alternative Sighting
• Maintenance
• Zeroing
• Diagnose and correct shooting errors
• Program Development: Transition Training/In-Service/Training Maintenance

Requirements: Attendees will need to provide proof of certification as a POST Handgun Instructor Course, and provide a letter of approval from their supervisor to be able to attend.

Student Must Provide:

  • Duty handgun w/ reflex sight
  • 1500 rounds handgun ammo
  • 5 handgun dummy rounds
  • Duty belt/ holster/ 3 magazines
  • Hat, ear protection, eye protection
  • Notebook/Pen
  • Lunch/Water
  • Rain/Cold Weather Gear
  • Lap Top Computer* (class material will be provided on a thumb drive)

 

Class Length: 3 days

 

Rocky Mountain Gun Works RED DOT Sight Instructor Course POST Approved

Learning Goals: This course is intended to provide law enforcement firearm instructors the training to successfully instruct, manage and convey proper usage and maintenance of handguns equipped with Miniature Red Dot Sights (MRDS) in a law enforcement capacity. Students will understand instructor-based use of force considerations, methodology and training liability.  Students will have the ability to develop training to successfully create transition, basic academy and in-service training while utilizing MRDS equipped handguns.

Prerequisite:  This is an instructor level course and applicants should be currently employed as an agency law enforcement firearms instructor. There is no requirement to have completed a RDS user course prior to this course as all aspects of using and ultimately instructing end users will be addressed.

Course Outline: This course will address the following topics.

  • Ammunition Selection / Ballistic Protocol
    • 40 Cal. vs 9mm
    • Agency RDS Development and Principles
      • Transition Training
      • In-Service Training
      • Human Factors
        • Parasympathetic/Sympathetic Nervous System
        • Equipment Selection
        • MRDS Management and Coaching
        • Weapon Mounted Light / MRDS Considerations
        • Dim Light Shooting
        • Use of Force Considerations
        • Instructor Training Liability
          • Reality Based Training Principles
Equipment Requirements
      • Duty handgun equipped with a MRDS / Weapon Mounted Light (WML)
      • Approximately 1200 Rounds of Handgun Ammunition
      • 6 Fluorescent Inert Dummy Rounds
      • Duty Belt, Holster (Handgun with MRDS and WML), (3) Magazines
      • Eye and Ear Protection / Ballistic Vest (Soft Armor)
      • Note Taking Material
      • Appropriate Clothing for Weather Conditions
      • Accessory Considerations (Small Pack, Sunscreen etc) 

Class Length: 3 days

 

Managing the Training Unit - Managing a training unit can be an overwhelming task, for experienced as well as new managers.  It often seems that just as we really begin to know what we are doing, and the people involved, it is time to rotate out.  We want to help you shorten the learning curve.  In this workshop, we will discuss the means, ideas, and resources to plan a training program that will meet the liability and professional development needs of a large or small agency. 

Topics will include:

  • Mandatory training
  • Maintaining Records
  • Budgeting
  • Developing Training Materials
  • Resources
  • Setting Goals and Objectives
  • Selecting and developing instructors 

Class Length: 5 days

 

Train the Trainer - New Course under construction!

 

UOF - Human Factors and the Application of Use of Force – This 1-day class reviews the effect of human factors on officers during critical incidents and the application of force from a federal, statutory, policy, and officer perspective:

  • The concept behind thinking fast and slow
  • The Recognition Primed Decision Mode
  • How danger impacts the 3 primary survival systems
  • Threat capabilities
  • The impact of attention and reaction time on an officer’s response
  • Looming, contra-lethal contractions, and slips and capture errors
  • Influence of officer movement on traffic stops
  • Federal standard for use of force
  • Statutory standard for use of force (SB-217)
  • Diminished mental capacity and UOF
  • Threat assessment and UOF from an officer’s perspective
  • Officer created jeopardy
  • De-escalation
  • Medical Considerations

Class Length: 1 day 

 


 

Conferences and Seminars

These courses are unique and are only offered to certain participants and every other year depending on need.

Civil Processes  - Civil Process seminars provide training, networking opportunities and opportunities to review and discuss legislative changes.  Introduction to Civil Process is taught by Civil Process professionals from various Colorado Sheriffs Offices.  The attendee should be relatively new to the Civil Process assignment or perhaps an employee who wants a refresher.  The seminar provides basic information about Civil law, the history of the process and the Sheriff’s role, Rule 4 Service of Civil Process, the difference between civil and criminal conflicts, residency eviction process and law, control, and seizure of property, restraining order information, and more. 

Detentions SeminarTBD

New Sheriffs Institute – A two-week orientation course offered every election year to the newly elected sheriffs.

The Resilience Bank Account of a SheriffONLY AVAILABLE TO SHERIFFS

Basic Training (2 hours virtually) - As Sheriffs, you are inherently in a leadership position in all areas of your professional and personal lives that include agency, your community, and even with your loved ones. We know the day-to-day life of law enforcement, including those at the top, is riddled with chronic stress and punctuated by acute and sometimes life-threatening crises.  Additional stress stemming from a Sheriff’s personal life can add to the silent burden Sheriffs often carry.  This course reviews 6 individual skills and habits that can, when actively incorporated into a daily routine, make a big difference. The idea of investing in a resilience bank account is suggested as a metaphor for the reserve building and cumulative positive impact of these habits over time.

Advanced Training Certification: (1.5 hours per Module virtually) - Those that participate in both the Basic Training course and a minimum of 8 of the 11 Advanced Training Modules will receive an Advanced Training Certification.  Sheriffs’ report high levels of stress, which is linked to both personal burnout and also higher rates of burnout among other members of the agency.   This Advanced Training Course is intended to help reduce burnout by providing opportunities for Sheriffs to increase 1) their own self-awareness and 2) connectiveness with other Sheriffs.   Each week will include a short 20-minute presentation on that week’s theme.  The rest of the time will be spent fostering interpersonal self-awareness and connection.  Sheriffs will be given an opportunity to share personal experiences focusing on that week’s theme. Participants will be encouraged to balance sharing their experiences, networking and collaborating with others that may best understand their position, and offering encouragement and support to peers. 
Each week will be facilitated by Dr. Sara Metz and Retired Chief Nick Metz.
  • Module 1: Preventing Burnout
  • Module 2: Creating a Culture of Wellness
  • Module 3: Managing Conflict
  • Module 4: Internal Communication
  • Module 5: Leading Different Generations
  • Module 6: Critical Incident Response
  • Module 7: Setting Boundaries
  • Module 8: Challenging Experiences
  • Module 9: Addressing Controversial Police Action
  • Module 10: Suicide and Substance Use Prevention
  • Module 11: Relationship Mastery

Class Length: 1.5 hours a month for 12 months

The Resilience Bank Account of an UndersheriffONLY AVAILABLE TO UNDERSHERIFFS

Basic Training (2 hours virtually) - As Undersheriffs, you are inherently in a leadership position in all areas of your professional and personal lives that include agency, your community, and even with your loved ones. We know the day-to-day life of law enforcement, including those at the top, is riddled with chronic stress and punctuated by acute and sometimes life-threatening crises.  Additional stress stemming from a Undersheriff’s personal life can add to the silent burden Undersheriffs often carry.  This course reviews 6 individual skills and habits that can, when actively incorporated into a daily routine, make a big difference. The idea of investing in a resilience bank account is suggested as a metaphor for the reserve building and cumulative positive impact of these habits over time.
Advanced Training Certification: (1.5 hours per Module virtually) - Those that participate in both the Basic Training course and a minimum of 8 of the 11 Advanced Training Modules will receive an Advanced Training Certification.  Undersheriffs report high levels of stress, which is linked to both personal burnout and also higher rates of burnout among other members of the agency.   This Advanced Training Course is intended to help reduce burnout by providing opportunities for Sheriffs to increase 1) their own self-awareness and 2) connectiveness with other Undersheriffs.   Each week will include a short 20-minute presentation on that week’s theme.  The rest of the time will be spent fostering interpersonal self-awareness and connection. Undersheriffs will be given an opportunity to share personal experiences focusing on that week’s theme. Participants will be encouraged to balance sharing their experiences, networking and collaborating with others that may best understand their position, and offering encouragement and support to peers. 
Each week will be facilitated by Dr. Sara Metz and Retired Chief Nick Metz.
  • Module 1: Preventing Burnout
  • Module 2: Creating a Culture of Wellness
  • Module 3: Managing Conflict
  • Module 4: Internal Communication
  • Module 5: Leading Different Generations
  • Module 6: Critical Incident Response
  • Module 7: Setting Boundaries
  • Module 8: Challenging Experiences
  • Module 9: Addressing Controversial Police Action
  • Module 10: Suicide and Substance Use Prevention
  • Module 11: Relationship Mastery

 Class Length: 1.5 hours a month for 12 months