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 (P.O.S.T.) 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, and the 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 - All academies. 2. AS Degree - Law Enforcement - All academies. 3. Certificate of Course Completion - All academies 4. Certificates of Course Completion for the Public Safety Dispatcher Course, 832 Arrest Module Course, and 832 Firearms Module Course. All pedagogical caps have been reviewed and are appropriate.
Funding from the Instructional Equipment Block Grant provided for 60 handguns and 20 shotguns to be replaced in the 2017/18 Fiscal Year. These weapons are used by academy students as mandated by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training as part of the approved course curriculum. Each handgun is used in training to fire approximately 2,500 rounds, and each shotgun is used to fire approximatly 200 rounds during each academy program. Due to this high usage, life expectancy of the handguns are approximately five years, and life expectancy of the shotguns are approximately 10 years.
The benefit of providing reliable and safe firearms to academy students during their training is critical to the success of the program. Approximately 88 hours of hands-on firearms training is provided to each student, thereby ensuring that, upon completion of the academy program and upon entering the critical and dangerous law enforcement career field, the students are physically, emotionally, and academically prepared.
Funding from the Perkins Grant provided for the initial phase of the upgrade of the PSETC radio system. The upgrade included the installation of four radio repeaters, four duplexers, 155-169 MHz antenna, and associated hardware. The upgrade will facilitate communication throughout the campus to enhance student training. The second and third phases of the radio upgrade project will provide for the installation of a dispatcher console and upgraded hand-held radios for the students.
The California Commissionon on Peace Officer Standards and Training requires academy students to become proficient in radio communications. As such, each student is provided a functional hand-held radio as part of this required training. Students are also required to be trained and tested in their handling of 14 crime scene scenarios. During scenrio training and testing days, agency public safety dispatchers are employed to dispatch students to specific locations throughout the campus, where the students encounter role players who are acting out carefully scripted scenarios. The performance of each recruit is formally evaluated by employed evaluators, thereby determining the student's level of proficiency in this critical element of the academy program. The radio upgrade provides more clear and widespread communication capabilities.
Although SLOs are not evaluated in this discipline in the same manner as other disciplines, the degree to which all objectives have been met is formally evaluated with written and skills testing each and every presentation of each course.
The standards for training and the objectives for each course are established by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), who is also responsible for the creation of the testing processes and materials.
Courses presented under this discipline very strictly comply with POST standards, and as reflections and circumstances at the State level in POST-approved programs we very promptly integrate such changes into our program.
| 2012SU | 84.09% | |
| 2013SU | 89.42% | |
| 2014SU | 82.46% | |
| 2015SU | 88.33% | |
| 2016SU | 89.36% | |
1.b. The law enforcement academy programs are natural draws for junior high and high school students considering careers after graduation. Field trips and community outreach occurs frequently throughout the year as a way of informing students of the nature and required commitment for success in our programs. The Public Safety Education and Training Center also works closely with the college Counselling and Advising Department to ensure that interested students are provided consistent and accurate information regarding the various law programs.
1.e. Law enforcement agency recruiters frequently make presentations to members of the class to inform them of the duties and benefits of their departments and to entice them to submit applications for employment following graduation. When students submit applications, agencies immediately begin the background investigation process. Students who succeed in passing the background process are usually hired and begin work within a week following graduation.
6.2) The process allowing entry into the academy programs is open to all individuals, equally. Although entrance criteria has been established based strictly on probabilty for success in the program, that criteria applies equally to everyone.
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; 6) Institutionalize funding for the Department of Parks and Recreation 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.
With the passage of Measure J, Item 1 will become a moot point with the construction of a new indoor firearms range facility in approximately 10 years. However steps will need to be taken to improve the current portable facilities. Item 2 is expected to be completed within the next 2-3 years. Item #3 will be one of the projects of the final phases of measure J implementation. A leadership determination has been made that Recommendation #4 is not a priority.
Following are the goals designated for the 2018/19 Fiscal Year:
1. Complete curriculum review for all AJLE courses.
2. Continue to comply with all applicable P.O.S.T. regulations to ensure continue accredidation.
3. Begin the planning and construction of the scenario village.
Strategy 1 - Maintaining Currency and Standards
The Butte College Law Enforcement Academy maintains a commitment to ensuring its accredidation with the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training by complying with all applicable regulations and guidelines. We will remain dedicated to the education and training of staff to ensure that students receive the most thorough and contemporary training.
It is critical that our students receive the very best law enforcement training available to ensure their success and safety upon entering the career field.
Strategy 2 - PSETC Outlying Restroom Facilities
In seeking to create an overall environment that is most conducive to employee and student wellness, safety, and quality learning, it is critical that we ensure that basic human needs are met. As such, the restroom facilities at the firearms training range and the Emergency Vehicel Operations Course track, are lacking in acceptable restroom facilities. Porta Potties are in place at both locations, but they frequently are enhabited by wasps and lack basic hand-washing capabilities. A priority for the future of the academy program will be to construct permanent and modern 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
On-campus, indoor shooting range facility with a mat room included and sufficient space for storage of additional mats for use in the range bay.
With the passage of Measure J, one of the planned projects is an on-campus indoor shooting range. It will be many years before this comes to fruition, so this will remain a component of the Unit Plan until then to insure that the need is not forgotten.
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.
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
Funding for the routine maintnance and replacement of key facilities and equipment will continue to be sought through District and outside sources.
The Public Safety Training Grounds EVOC track was constructed in 2003 at a cost of approximately $885,000. A consultant study in FY 12/13 indicates that the track is in significant need of repair. If continued degradation remains unchecked to the point where it unusable, it is estimated that the 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 the track for many years to come.
Additionally, there is other equipment that is routinely used by the various PSETC programs 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. Available space in the AHPS building is insufficient to meet all of the current needs of the Department's programs.
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. The previously completed work notwithstanding, it is not a foregone conclusion that there will actually be a "village" constructed. A number of options are being examined, and the ultimate plan will be based upon what is determined to best meet the needs of the program for the funding available.
This will be one of the initial projects under the recently passed Measure J, but will remain as a strategy until it is 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. Establishment 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 scenario village could support learning activities for many other campus CTE programs.
Strategy 8 - 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 two existing full time Administrative Secretaries are each responsible for three academies a year, plus an academic discipline (either AJ or FSC). The department has come to rely heavily on Student Assistants to perfom functions that far exceed what is normally expected of Student Assistants in other departments. For example, in addition to the traditional receptionist/counter coverage, there are a myriad confidential records related to academy students that must be handled, processed and filed. Also, critical student time keeping records must be maintained to satisfy P.O.S.T. These unusual duties require significant time and training to ensure competency, and the turnover in Student Assistants is frequent. The addition of requested secretarial position would ensure 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 and the Instructional Equipment Block Grant have been utilized to to rectify safety issues and replace critically important equipment.
In relation to the Fish and Wildlife Academy and the State Parks Academy, State funds from the two departments also support academy activities and instruction.
| 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 | $0.00 | $37,000.00 | ||
| .5 Secretary I | The workload in the PSETC has reached a point where the two existing full time Administrative Secretaries are each responsible for three academies a year, plus an academic discipline (either AJ or FSC). The department has come to rely heavily on Student Assistants to perfom functions that far exceed what is normally expected of Student Assistants in other departments. For example, in addition to the traditional receptionist/counter coverage, there are a myriad confidential records related to academy students that must be handled, processed and filed. Also, critical student time keeping records must be maintained to satisfy P.O.S.T. These unusual duties require significant time and training to ensure competency, and the turnover in Student Assistants is frequent. The addition of requested secretarial position would ensure 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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| 2 | PSETC - AJLE - Law Enforcement Academies | Facilities | 11-000-511-1-210550 | $4,500.00 | $0.00 | |
| Firearms Range Facility Repairs | The Butte College Firearms Range Facility is located approximately 18 miles southwest of the college campus on Wilbur Road. The facility is leased through the Department of Water Resources. Although funding has been identified to construct an on-campus indoor firearms range via Measure J, that project is not scheduled for another 10 years. The existing structure at the Wilbur Road facility is in poor repair, requiring immediate attention. Specifically, the existing roof needs to be replaced, The interior needs to be repainted, and exterior security lighting needs to be added. |
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| 3 | 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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| 4 | AJLE | Equipment | 11-000-511-1-210550 | 54300 | $2,000.00 | $0.00 |
| Props and Materials for Academy Crime Scene Scenario Training and Testing | This would allow for the acquisition of various Crime Scene Scenario tools and materials for use by students to gain hands on experience in the mandated handling of simulated crime scenes. |
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| 5 | 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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| 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 purchased 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 | PSETC - AJLE - Law Enforcement Academies | Equipment | $2,500.00 | $0.00 | ||
| Universal Holsters | All law enforcement academy students are issued standard law enforcement duty belts, which include firearms holsters. As there are a variety of types of weapons issued by law enforcement agencies when live fire training occurs, it is important for students to develop their skills with equipment that will accommodate the weapon they will actually be using. The addition of universal holsters to our equipment resources allows us to accommodate multiple weapons types without having to have separate holsters for each type. |
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| 8 | AJLE | Equipment | $4,500.00 | $0.00 | ||
| 20' Shipping Container Storage Box/Prop for Firearms Range | This will provide a location on the Firearms Range where Range-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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| 9 | PSETC - AJLE Law Enforcement Academies | Equipment | $1,500.00 | $0.00 | ||
| Replacement airsoft training pistols (10) | 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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| 10 | PSETC - AJLE - Law Enforcement Academies | Equipment | $15,000.00 | $0.00 | ||
| Three Electric Utility Vehicle/Golf carts | Maintenance of the Public Safety Training Grounds requires extensive use of specialized equipment and resources. With the academies and the PSTG being in different locations on campus, the availability of an electric utility vehicle would facilitate the transfer of materials, supplies and equipment between AHPS and the PSTG with less of a carbon footprint then a gas vehicle would create. A second cart is needed at the Public Safety Training Grounds for use by the training grounds supervisors to help them traverse the large expanse of the grounds while carrying needed supplies, equipment, and tools. Likewise, a third cart is needed at the firearms range for the use of range staff. |
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| 11 | 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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| 12 | 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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| 13 | PSETC - AJLE - Law Enforcement Academies | Equipment | 11-000-511-1-210550 | $30,000.00 | $0.00 | |
| Update Academy Radio Equipment - Hand-Held Radios | This proposal addresses the third of three phases of the PSETC radio upgrade project. The first phase involved the installation of repeaters and duplexors to serve as the basic infrastructure for this project. The second phase requested funding for a basic dispatcher console, and this final phase is to procure updated hand-held radios to replace the existing radios currently in use. The existing radios are approximately 10 years old, and are rapidly reaching the end of their useful life. The radios are used as part of mandated academy training and testing. Students are trained and tested on their handling of crime scene scenarios, and are required to become proficient in communicating via the radio system. |
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| 14 | PSETC - AJLE - Law Enforcement Academies | Equipment | 11-000-511-1-210550 | $12,000.00 | $0.00 | |
| Update Academy Radio Equipment - Dispacher Console | This proposal addresses the second of three phases of the PSETC radio upgrade project. Funding for the first phase was secured through the Perkins Grant to install repeaters and duplexors to serve as the basic infrastructure for this project. The second phase requests funding for a basic dispatcher console that will be used as part of mandated academy training and testing. Students are trained and tested on their handling of crime scene scenarios, and are required to become proficient in communicating via the radio system. Additionally, PSETC presents a P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher course once each year to incumbent dispatchers and individuals who desire to enter the career field. The console will add an element of realism to tat training. |
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| 15 | PSETC -AJLE - Law Enforcement Academies | Equipment | 11-000-511-1-210550 | $23,000.00 | $0.00 | |
| Electronic Turning Targets | The Butte College Firearms Range is located approximately 18 miles southwest of the campus on Wilbur Road. The facility is leased through the Department of Water Resources. Although funding has been identified for the construction of an on-campus indoor firearms range via Measure J, the project is not scheduled for another 10 years. To improve the quality of the training provided to the students, this is to request the purchase of an automated five-target bi-directional wireless target system. |
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| 16 | PSETC/AJLE | Facilities | $0.00 | $0.00 | ||
| 25 Lane Indoor Firearms Training Range | As per "Future Development Strategy" #3 |
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