The Butte College Public Safety Education & Training Center educates and trains students to serve and protect the public in a highly competent and professional manner.
Courses presented under the auspices of the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) are listed as AJLE (Administration of Justice – Law Enforcement) courses in the College Schedule. They include the Regular Basic Law Enforcement Academy in intensive format and “Advanced Officer” courses, which are also referred to as Perishable Skills training, for in-service peace officers. They have included the Regular Basic Law Enforcement Academy with Fish and Game Emphasis, which returned in early 2013 after a short absence, and now a Regular Basic Law Enforcement Academy with State Parks emphasis. Combined, the AJLE programs generate approximately 350 FTE. Completion of the programs in this unit allow for students to earn the following: 1. Certificate of Achievement - P.O.S.T. Regular Basic Law Enforcement Academy (includes State Parks Academy) 2. AS Degree - Law Enforcement Academy, Basic (Career/Technical) 3. Certificate of Completion - P.O.S.T. Regular Basic Law Enforcement Academy, Fish and Wildlife Emphasis 4. AS Degree - Law Enforcement Academy, Basic/Fish and Wildlife Emphasis (Career/Technical) 5. Certificate of Achievement - Law Enforcement Academy, Basic/Fish and Wildlife Emphasis 6. Certificates of completion for P.O.S.T. courses, including: Dispatch Course, 832 Arrest Module, 832 Firearms Module. All pedagogical caps have been reviewed and are appropriate.
EVOC Track and Skid Pan Maintenance
FPM sought and received funding for a portion of the necessary work at the EVOC/Skid Pan. Specifically, they coordinated a project whereby the joints seals on the Skid Pan were removed and replaced. This will prolong the serviceability of the venue, help to minimize water damage and insure that the resource is available for student use for many more years.
Safety helmets for EVOC instructors and students to replace those at the end of service life.
A basic safety requirement of EVOC training is the use of safety helmets. The previously used helmets had been in use for over ten years and were quite worn. These new helmets, which were purchased with funds provided by POST to support EVOC training, will insure that academy students have serviceable safety headware for the next several years to come.
Generally, there have been no significant recommendations related to outcomes assessment. However, there is a routine process of evaluating each and every presentation of the three different academy programs which results in subtle changes being made with each additional presentation. Also, the changing nature of POST standards frequently requires changes in the assessment process.
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College |
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Program |
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Indicator |
Source |
2013-2014 Performance |
Standard |
Five Year Goal |
Fall 2014 Performance |
Standard |
Five Year Goal |
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Course Success |
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- Overall |
PDR |
71.1% |
70% |
73% |
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- Transfer/GE |
PDR |
71.5% |
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73% |
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- CTE |
PDR |
75% |
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77% |
F: 82.6% W: 78.7% Sp: 77% Su: 96.9% |
77% |
82% |
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- Basic Skills |
PDR |
51.7% |
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55% |
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- Distance Ed (all) |
PDR |
62.5% |
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64% |
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Persistence (Focused). Note: The Persistence (Focused) that is included in the PDR is a different indicator than the three-primary term persistence indicator, from the state Student Success Scorecard, that is used to measure institutional persistence. The Focused Persistence indicator measures the percentage of students that took a second course in a discipline within one year. There is no relationship between the college and program standards in this area. |
PDR |
72.6% (Three-Term) Scorecard |
67% (Three-Term) Scorecard |
75% (Three-Term) Scorecard |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
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Degrees |
PDR |
1,455 |
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1,600 |
16 |
10 |
22 |
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Certificates |
PDR |
366 |
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475 |
63 |
50 |
70 |
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Developmental Strand Completion |
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- English |
State |
42% |
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45% |
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- Math |
State |
30.7% |
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33% |
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- ESL |
State |
25% |
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28% |
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Licensure Pass Rates |
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- Registered Nursing |
SC |
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- Licensed Vocational Nursing |
SC |
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- Respiratory Therapy |
SC |
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- Paramedic |
SC |
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- Cosmetology |
SC |
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- Welding |
SC |
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Job Placement Rates |
PIV |
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1. We routinely interact and collaborate with our industry partners in law enforcement to insure that our programs remain relevant.
2. Utilization of the Butte County Law Enforcement Administrators group as an Advisory Board helps to insure that our program provides the skills needed in the workforce.
3. A number of efforts in the academy programs help to focus students on potential careers in law enforcement.
4. Academy students are actively connected with the variety of support services available on campus.
5. Through formal recruitment presentations, students are able to actively engage several times throughout each academy with potential employers.
6. By placing required student workbooks on Blackboard, we have been able to virtually eliminate the use of the majority of the printed materials for the law enforcement academies.
Recommendations implemented: 1) Allow academy students to operate minimal sirens during EVOC training; 2) Purchase 1 ton truck for towing simulator trailer; 3) Authorize replacement of retiring secretary; 4) Acquire solar powered radar sign for EVOC track; 5) Institutionalize funding for the Department of Fish and Wildlife ISA.
Recommendations to be implemented:
1) Provide adequate restroom facilities at the instructional firearms range;
2) Complete the Scenario Village at the center of the EVOC track;
3) Construct an indoor shooting range at the Public Safety Training Grounds;
4) Strong consideration should be given to a stand-alone PSETC facility at or near the Training Grounds.
Items 1,2 and 3 above will all be addressed in a proposed bond project. Also in conjunction with a bond proposal, a leadership determination has been made that Recommendation #4 is not a priority.
1. In relation to Strategy #1, complete basic course recertification with POST for law enforcement academies.
2. Institutionalize adequate level of formal leadership for the discipline.
3. Institutionalize adequate clerical support for the discipline.
4. Develop a comprehensive PSETC facility needs plan, which inlcudes a long term shooting range plan (which inlcudes restrooms), a scenario village, maintenance of the EVOC track, restrooms for the EVOC track and a PSETC building plan.
Strategy 1 - Maintaining currency with standards
The Butte College Law Enforcement Academy has distinguished itself in a number of ways, not the least of which is its ability to remain current with the ever changing regulations of the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. As such, we will remain dedicated to education and training of staff, along with implementation of new regulations and guidelines as required.
Not only do is there a need to remain current with statutory regulations, but it is additionally imperative that we ensure students are prepared to meet the ever changing expectations of the public they will be serving.
Strategy 2 - PSETC Outlying Restroom Facilities
In seeking to create environments which are most conducive to employee and student wellness, safety and quality learning, we continue to identify relevant gaps. In the case of the law enforcement academy, two of the most important venues, the firearms training range and the EVOC track, continue to be lacking restroom facilities. During training, porta-potties are rented and placed at the sites, but they are less than desirable. A priority for the future of the academy program will be to construct restroom facilities at both locations. Additionally, the EVOC track and the associated Skid Pan are lacking shade facilities to protect students from extreme weather while they wait their turns to utilize the facilities.
The absence of adequate restroom facilities and the requirement to use “out house” type porta-potties, only serves to diminish the overall potential for a fully successful teaching and learning environment.
Strategy 3 - Firearms Training Range
Our current instructional firearms range is on leased land from the Department of Water Resources, and is located approximately twenty-five miles south west of the College. This site has been used for approximately twenty-five years, during which time a number of improvements have occurred. However, it remains a challenging site due primarily to rattlesnake threats, wasps and other hazards. While no student has been snake bitten to date, close calls tend to occur annually. Additionally, recent environmental interests in the area promulgated by U.S. Fish & Wildlife suggest that our lease may not be as stable as previously believed. Finally, area build-up is resulting in complaints of noise and ricochets. Consequently, a suitable instructional firearms facility, preferably indoor to accommodate for extreme weather, should be planned for and it would be ideal if this were part of a stand-a-lone Public Safety Education & Training Facility. It is likely such a facility would cost in the realm of $3.5 million (new facility + restoration of current range). Opportunities to secure funding and/or build such a facility will be a priority over the next several years.
With the current contract for the Range property due to expire this year, we have sought for months to have communication with the Department of Water Resources. It is only recently that we have recieved a response, which allowed us to clearly communicate our desire for renewal of the lease. We are now being put off by DWR, who is assessing to determine whether or not they even wish to retain ownership of the property where the range is located. It is clear that our standing with the property and the lease is, to say the least, precarious. Construction of a range facility on the campus should be a priority.
Strategy 4 - Coordination With CSU Chico
Enhance coordination with the Criminal Justice Degree Program at CSU Chico to support and encourage students who have graduated with associate degrees, matriculated into baccalaureate programs and graduated, and who wish to become California peace officers to return to Butte College to attend the Law Enforcement Academy.
It is natural that a partnership with CSU Chico would only serve to enhance the overall criminal justice educational opportunities for students.
Strategy 5 - Maintenance of PSETC Resources and Equipment
It does not appear the the District has historically placed a high priority on routine ongoing maintenance of key infrastructure resouces, several of which are key to all of the PSETC programs, but in particular AJLE. Additionally, the District does not appear to have historically embraced ongoing plans for funding equipment replacement. These conditions notwithstanding, it will be a PSETC priority to seek funds for routine maintenance of key facilities and equipment and for replacement of worn out and/or obsolete equipment.
The Public Safety Training Grounds Skid Pan was constructed in 2001. It consists of the main concrete structure, and a paved apron with flexible joints around the outside edge. The EVOC track was constructed in 2003 at a cost of approximately $885,000. None of these facilities have received any maintenance whatsoever since constructed, and a consultant study in FY 12/13 indicates that they are in significant need of repair. If continued neglect to the point that they can no longer be used occurs, it is estimated that the Skid Pan will cost $1.3 million, the apron will cost $318,000 and the EVOC track will cost $2.2 million to replace. The previously described study identifies a number of intermediate and less expensive maintenance steps that can be taken to prolong the serviceability of these facilities up to 45-50 years. Absent this preventative maintenance, they will surely degrade to the point that they cannot be used. The FPM Director indicates maintenace of these facilities is not a FPM/District responsibility to prioritize - rather, it is the responsibility of the Department.
Additionally, there is other equipment that is routinely used in the now (4) law enforcement academies held each year that is reaching the end of its useful service life. These items inlcude padded suits and safety padding for defensive tactics, kettle bells or strength bands, training dummies and air soft pistols. There is other equipment that is rapidly reaching obsolescence, specifically our antiquated analog two-way radio system, which should be upgraded in the future.
Strategy 6 - Strategic PSETC Facility Needs
Historically, the public safety training programs have been core components of the college since it's beginning. The addition of the AHPS building and the various facilities at the Public Safety Training Grounds allowed the PSETC to place it's programs in a modern, permanent building but did not take into account potential future growth. It has now become clear that to fully realize the potential of the public safety training programs a new dedicated building with features and facilities unique to public safety training is needed. As future financing opportunities are sought by the District, serious consideration should be given to prioritizing a new building that will reasonably meet the needs of the PSETC in perpetuity. Oddly, despite discussions with FPM prior to the completion of the District's Facilities Master Plan, there is no mention of PSETC needs in the plan. In order to clarify the specific needs of the Department in the future, it is suggested that a comprehensive, consultant supported study be conducted to determine the specific PSETC needs.
Currently, PSETC is essentially land locked with no potential room for growth available.
Strategy 7 - Scenario Village
Several years ago, development of a "Scenario Village" in the center of the EVOC track was initiated. A master plan was prepared, and significant preliminary work was completed. This strategy proposes that the plan be revisited and updated, and that the project be completed.
Much of the training in the law enforcement academies is based upon mock scenarios. Additionally, students are tested in each academy 14 separate times on scneario situations. In the fire academy, manipulative skills in realistic environments are a significant part of the training. With space for scenarios or manipulative skills at a premium on campus, and with 6 different public safety academies per year, it has become increasingly difficult to find space for conducting the required activities. Establsihment of an on-campus venue for scenario training will allow nearly 300 public safety students per year to conduct their training and testing in an environment which more closely resembles some of the real-life locations they will encounter in the field. In addition to the obvious benefit for public safety academies, the scenarion village could support learning activities for many other campus CTE programs.
Strategy 8 - Leadership in the discipline
In order to insure there is adequate leadership for all of the programs and disciplines included with the PSETC, the following is needed: 1) Increase the 60% Management Range #20 PSETC Director position to 100% at Management Range #24 or 25; and 2) establish a Chair position which could be responsible for AJ and FSC together.
Administration of Justice, Fire Technology, the Fire Academy, the Fish and Wildlife Academy, the State Parks Academy and the Basic Law Enforcement Academy are combined under the umbrella of the Public Safety Education and Training Center (PSETC). The Director position for the PSETC is a 60% position at Management Range #20, and is responsible for 2 FT faculty, 3 FT clerical support personnel and 275 PT associate faculty and classified employees. There are no Department Chairs for AJ or FSC, and the PSETC Director has been acting as the Chair for over 3 years. The Director position as it currently exists is a hybrid consisting of the following: 1) Academic Manager; 2) Department Chair; 3) Peer to Deans and Directors, who occasionally serves as Acting Dean and has even served as Acting Vice President in the absence of all other administrators; 4) Subordinate to Deans. The Department has responsibility for 7 different AS degrees, 6 Certificates of Achievement, 5 small certificates, and more than a dozen industry-specific professional certificates. Over the last 3 years, the number of law enforcement academies presented annually has doubled (from 2 to 4), and the ped caps in all AJ and FSC classes are among the highest in the District. Anecdotally, it is noted that few, if any, other community colleges place such a significant load on a part-time hybrid position such as Butte's. Rather, industry practice seems to be based in a clear division of management responsibility based on a separation of the various programs and disciplines. With no Chairs for the academic disciplines, and only a part-time Director, the cumulative responsibilities for all of these programs and disciplines are impossible to keep up with. It has become clear that there are two significant needs for the Department: 1) The PSETC Director position needs to be full-time; and 2) There needs to be a Chair assigned to AJ and FSC (one part-time chair could handle both disciplines). In the event it was decided not to establish a chair position for the academic programs and to have the PSETC Director position continue those duties, it would be even more imperative that the Director position be full-time. Additionally, when comparing the responsibilities and span of control of the PSETC Director to other District disciplines, it becomes additionally clear that it would be appropriate for the PSETC Director compensation to be minimally at Management Range #24, if not 25. Proposed ongoing augmentation request is based on the difference between the Director's current rate of pay (60%, Management Range 20, Step E + 60% benefits) and 100%, Management Range 25, Step E with 60% benefit rate.
Strategy 9 - Department Administrative Support
Create new half time (.5) Secretary I position to provide administrative/clerical support to the PSETC.
The workload in the PSETC has reached a point where the 2 full time secretaries are each responsible for three academies a year + an academic discipline (either AJ or FSC), and the program Assistant is perpetually immersed in processing employment applications, managing the budget and paying bills for all of the Department's programs. As such, the Department has come to depend on Student Assistants to provide front counter/receptionist coverage in the PSETC office. As the Department is very fast paced, and there are a myriad of confidential records related to academy students that must be handled, processed and filed it has been challenging to find students who can keep up with the pace. The addition of this lower level clerical position would insure that there is receptionist/counter coverage during peak hours and reduce the challenge of trying to find students who can keep up with the pace of the office.
None
The Law Enforcement Academy is supported primarily by the General Fund, with some additional support coming from student material fees. Additionally, Perkins Funds have been utilized to to rectify safety issues and replace critically important equipment.
In relation to the Fish and Wildlife Academy, State funds from the Department of Fish and Wildlife also support academy activities and instruction. State funds from the Department of Parks and Recreation help to support the State Parks Academy.
| Original Priority | Program, Unit, Area | Resource Type | Account Number | Object Code | One Time Augment | Ongoing Augment |
| Description | Supporting Rationale | Potential Alternative Funding Sources | Prioritization Criteria | |||
| 1 | PSETC - AJLE - Law Enforcement Academies | Personnel | 11 000 511 1 601000 | 51230 | $0.00 | $90,501.00 |
| Wages and benefits to increase PSETC Director from 60% to 100% and change to range 25 | Administration of Justice, Fire Technology, the Fire Academy, the Fish and Wildlife Academy, the State Parks Academy and the Basic Law Enforcement Academy are combined under the umbrella of the Public Safety Education and Training Center (PSETC). The Director position for the PSETC is a 60% position at Management Range #20, and is responsible for 2 FT faculty, 3 FT clerical support personnel and 275 PT associate faculty and classified employees. There are no Department Chairs for AJ or FSC, and the PSETC Director has been acting as the Chair for over 3 years. The Director position as it currently exists is a hybrid consisting of the following: 1) Academic Manager; 2) Department Chair; 3) Peer to Deans and Directors, who occasionally serves as Acting Dean and has even served as Acting Vice President in the absence of all other administrators; 4) Subordinate to Deans. The Department has responsibility for 7 different AS degrees, 6 Certificates of Achievement, 5 small certificates, and more than a dozen industry-specific professional certificates. Over the last 3 years, the number of law enforcement academies presented annually has doubled (from 2 to 4), and the ped caps in all AJ and FSC classes are among the highest in the District. Anecdotally, it is noted that few, if any, other community colleges place such a significant load on a part-time hybrid position such as Butte's. Rather, industry practice seems to be based in a clear division of management responsibility based on a separation of the various programs and disciplines. With no Chairs for the academic disciplines, and only a part-time Director, the cumulative responsibilities for all of these programs and disciplines are impossible to keep up with. It has become clear that there are two significant needs for the Department: 1) The PSETC Director position needs to be full-time; and 2) There needs to be a Chair assigned to AJ and FSC (one part-time chair could handle both disciplines). In the event it was decided not to establish a chair position for the academic programs and to have the PSETC Director position continue those duties, it would be even more imperative that the Director position be full-time. Additionally, when comparing the responsibilities and span of control of the PSETC Director to other District disciplines, it becomes additionally clear that it would be appropriate for the PSETC Director compensation to be minimally at Management Range #24, if not 25. Proposed ongoing augmentation request is based on the difference between the Director's current rate of pay (60%, Management Range 20, Step E + 60% benefits) and 100%, Management Range 25, Step E with 60% benefit rate. |
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| 2 | PSETC - AJLE - Law Enforcement Academies | Personnel | $0.00 | $25,000.00 | ||
| .5 Secretary I | The workload in the PSETC has reached a point where the 2 full time secretaries are each responsible for three academies a year + an academic discipline (either AJ or FSC), and the program Assistant is perpetually immersed in processing employment applications, managing the budget and paying bills for all of the Department's programs. As such, the Department has come to depend on Student Assistants to provide front counter/receptionist coverage in the PSETC office. As the Department is very fast paced, and there are a myriad of confidential records related to academy students that must be handled, processed and filed it has been challenging to find students who can keep up with the pace. The addition of this lower level clerical position would insure that there is receptionist/counter coverage during peak hours and reduce the challenge of trying to find students who can keep up with the pace of the office. |
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| 3 | PSETC AJLE Law Enforcement Academy | Equipment | $40,000.00 | $0.00 | ||
| Two-way Radio System | With the addition of the DFW and DPR academies to PSETC, use of the two-way training radios has increased in the Department by 50%. Limited frequencies and even more limited base station frequencies severely limit our total communication capabilities. In addition, we annually provide a Public Safety Dispatcher course which, with our current capabilities, allows us to expose students to nothing more than antiquated equipment. A computer-based, multi-channel radio control console as well as the addition of at least two frequencies and the establishment of two more base station frequencies are needed. |
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| 4 | PSETC - AJLE Law Enforcement Academies | Equipment | $12,000.00 | $0.00 | ||
| Defensive tactics replacement equipment | A number of items of equipment routinely used in defensive tactics training has worn out or is rapidly wearing out, and needs to be replaced. Items include 5 padded XL safety helmets (approx. $600 total); 3 sets of padded arms (approx. $700 total); 3 complete padded suits (approx. $5400 total); 6 striking bags (approx. $1300 total); 2 - 165 pound drag dummies (approx. $2500 total); |
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| 5 | PSETC - AJLE Law Enforcement Academies | Equipment | $1,500.00 | $0.00 | ||
| Replacement airsoft training pistols | The PSETC maintains a number of airsoft pistols for use by academy students as part of the training experience. As these devices are used year round by multiple groups of students, they inevitably wear quickly. The current cache is showing signs of wear, and many are in immediate need of replacement. Although this will not be a request for an ongoing augmentation, there will be additional requests in years to come so that several of them can be replaced each year. |
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| 6 | AJLE | Operating Expenses | 11-000-511-1-210550 | $0.00 | $500.00 | |
| Annual funding for maintenance of two way radios | The cache of radios purchsaed several years ago are used all day, every day, year round by AJLE Academy students. Such things as batteries, extended microphones and antennas are in very frequent need of replacement to such a degree that general material and supply funds and the ability to meet other needs are negatively impacted. Establishment of this fund will allow a dedicated resource for radio maintenance. |
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| 7 | AJLE | Equipment | 11-000-511-1-210550 | 54300 | $1,000.00 | $0.00 |
| Investigative Props and Material for Basic Criminal and Crime Scene Investigation | This would allow for the acquisition of various Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) tools and material for use by students to gain hands on experience with such things as fingerprinting, identification and collection of forensic evidence and processing and collection of physical evidence. |
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| 8 | AJLE | Facilities | 11-000-511-1-210550 | $3,000.00 | $0.00 | |
| EVOC Track and Skid Pan Shade Structures | Students who utilize the EVOC Track and Skid Pan are required to wait in que for their resepctive turns to utilize these valuable training facilities. The absence of any sort of shade at each location requires students to wait extended periods in extreme winter or summer weather. Shade structures are necessary for the health and safety of students. PSETC and FPM will endeavor to identify and acquire shade structures that have been pre-approved by the State Architect. |
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| 9 | AJLE | Equipment | $4,500.00 | $0.00 | ||
| 20' Shipping Container Storage Box/Prop for EVOC Track | This will provide a location on the EVOC Track where EVOC-specific supplies and material can be stored, as well as a platform from which observation of track operations can be made. |
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| 10 | PSETC | Equipment | 11-000-511-1-210550 | 54300 | $2,000.00 | $0.00 |
| Replace 5 Remington Model 870 Police Shotguns | Replace a portion of the total complement of shotguns that are used for recruit training. These will repalce the most worn of several weapons that are 15+ years old. |
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| 11 | AJLE | Facilities | 11-000-511-1-210550 | $720,000.00 | $0.00 | |
| EVOC Track and Skid Pan Maintenance | A study completed in FY 12/13 confirms that these facilities are in need of significant maintenance. The failure to do so will shorten their expected servicability, which would be a travesty in light of the initial investment to construct them. To date, there has been no maintenace of these facilities since their original construction nearly a decade ago. The projected cost is based upon an estimates from the study. |
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| 12 | AJLE | Facilities | 11-000-511-1-210550 | 56000 | $35,000.00 | $0.00 |
| Restrooms at Firing range | Design, construct,acquire modular, green restroom facility for firearms training range. Costs are estimated not to exceed $35,000. |
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| 13 | AJLE | Facilities | 11-000-511-1-210550 | 56000 | $35,000.00 | $0.00 |
| EVOC Track Restroom Facilities | Design, acquire, construct restroom facilities at EVOC Track. Cost are estimated not to exceed $35,000. |
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| 14 | PSETC/AJLE | Facilities | $3,500,000.00 | $0.00 | ||
| 25 Lane Indoor Firearms Training Range | As per "Future Development Strategy" #3 |
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