Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) - JCSO Citizen's Academy

On Saturday March 31, 2012 we got an opportunity to spend about 3 hours with the training staff on EVOC.

This was one of the portions of the academy I was most looking forward to and they did not disappoint!  After being driven through the course by a deputy first at slow speed to describe it then at accelerated speed, we were then let loose to drive the course.

EVOC course 03/31/12

We ran several practice runs and then a qualifying run.   The practice runs we're fun and sometimes scary!   During one run with a fellow classmate I couldn't resist getting on the radio and asking the deputies if they were saying a prayer for me (because of how many cones the participant had already knocked over or side swiped).   That got a few laughs and one deputy responded they were saying "Hail Mary's" for me !   :)

The qualifying runs were done hot with lights and sirens.   The young gun of the class had the fastest time at 59 seconds.   I'm pretty sure I had the slowest time due to my penalties (3 second penalty for each cone hit) so we'll just avoid mentioning my time!

Here is the link to my qualifying run.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VsbkdXo_Vk&feature=youtube_gdata_player.

One of the patrol cars we abused on the EVOC course.

Hoping to load more pictures another participant took once they are available.

I took home the "Cone Killer" award!   My prediction that I would knock over the most cones was true.   Oops!   I'm kind of disappointed with that because I actually hit zero cones during the practice runs.   The deputies said that once the sirens come on people tend to make more mistakes.   I guess that was true for me.   Oh well, I'll accept the "Cone Killer" award.   Had a lot of fun!   Thanks JCSO!!!

Week 5 Continued... Accident Investigations - JCSO Citizen's Academy

A discussion and slide show about Accident Investigations was led by Sergeant Brad Brown and Deputy Greg Smith.

The role of law enforcement in accidents is to determine the cause, who is at fault and file criminal charges if necessary. 

Deputies dispatched to accident scenes who are part of the investigation team must try to preserve the evidence long enough to get it recorded.  That can be challenging when injuries are involved.  Being former EMS I can tell you that the patient is priority and evidence sometimes gets disturbed while focusing on the patient.  Sorry leo's!

Deputies will use a number of tools to help identify and capture evidence.  Aerial shots are taken when possible.  Photos are taken immediately.  Things deputies look for include:  tire marks, fluid trail, scrape marks, debris, etc. to try and determine direction of travel, speed, etc.

Diagrams are made.  Sketching used to be the method but thanks to technology computers can now create animated diagrams to help reconstruct the accident. 

Distracted driving is one of the biggest causes of accidents!  Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person's attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety. These types of distractions include:

• Texting
• Using a cell phone or smartphone
• Eating and drinking
• Talking to passengers
• Grooming
• Reading, including maps
• Using a navigation system
• Watching a video
• Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player

Deputies showed a video of some amazing crashes. Some resulted in fatalities, some were non injury but all were an eye opener as to how easy it is to get in to an accident and how fortunate we are when no one gets hurt!

In 2009, 5,474 people were killed in crashes involving driver distraction, and an estimated 448,000 were injured.  16% of fatal crashes in 2009 involved reports of distracted driving.  20% of injury crashes in 2009 involved reports of distracted driving. 

In Johnson County 13,039 accidents were reported in 2011.  3916 were determined to be caused by distracted driving compared to 50 caused by DUI.  In unincorporated JC, 121 accidents were attributed to distracted driving compared to 48 caused by DUI. 

Because text messaging requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver, it is by far the most alarming distraction. Texting is up 50% from 2009 (which means the likelihood of cause of accidents by distracted driving is much higher than 20% now).  Sending or receiving a text takes a person's eyes off the road for approximately 4.6 seconds or the amount of time needed to drive the length of a football field if traveling at 55mph. 

Using a cell phone while driving - whether it's hand-held or hands-free delays a driver's reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent.

Distracted Drivers are 23x's more likely to have an accident than someone who is not trying to multitask while driving. 

Need more reason to put the phone down while driving? View the videos here of people affected by Distracted Drivers. http://www.distraction.gov/content/faces/index.html.

The most dangerous intersections in Johnson County? 199th Street & 169, followed by I35 (south where the speed limit increases to 70) and then 175th Street & 169. Be careful on the roads!

A great resource for information about Distracted Driving including the stats sourced in this blog and ways to get involved to help reduce Distracted Driving is the Distraction.gov web page which can be found by following this link: http://www.distraction.gov/.

Remember earlier when I mentioned I am a cop magnet?  Well, one of my traffic stops last year was for texting while driving.  The trooper made a deal with me, no ticket if I would lock my phone in my glove box.  I took the deal.  Now I try to make a conscious effort to not text or read email, fb, twitter, etc while the car is moving.  About the only thing I will do with my phone now while the car is moving is answer a phone call and even that I don't do unless it's an important call.  It's just not worth the risk of getting involved in an accident... 

Week 5 Continued... DUI Enforcement - JCSO Citizen's Academy

Deputy Larry Shoop led this portion of the class. 

History of DUI Enforcement:  For the most part, DUI or DWI are synonymous terms that represent the criminal offense of operating a motor vehicle while being under the influence of alcohol or drugs or a combination of both.  The first jurisdiction in the United States of America to adopt laws against drunk driving was New York in 1910, with California and others following. Early laws simply prohibited driving while intoxicated, requiring proof of a state of intoxication with no specific definition of what level of inebriation qualified. The first generally-accepted legal BAC limit was 0.15%.  DUI enforcement peaked in the 70's - 90's due to groups such as MADD and SADD.

In the United States the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 10,839 people died in 2009 in alcohol-related collisions, representing 32% of total traffic deaths in the US (most recent stats available).  The Bureau of Justice Statistics estimated that law enforcement agencies make approximately 1.5 million arrests per year nationwide for driving under the influence of alcohol compared to 1.9 million such arrests during the peak year in 1983, accounting for 1 out of every 80 licensed drivers in the U.S.  The median BAC for drivers arrested is 0.17.  A driver with a BAC of 0.15 was often found to have a prior conviction of DUI.  An estimated 50-70% of drivers with a DUI conviction continue to drive!  Drivers with a BAC of 0.10% or higher are 6 to 12 times more likely to get into a fatal crash or injury than drivers with no alcohol.

In Kansas every 5.5 fatalities per 100,000 are DUI related.  In Missouri, every 5.0 fatalities per 100,000 are DUI related.  KS is ranked 44th and MO is ranked 35th in the US.  (Not good!)

JCSO uses Check Lanes and Saturation Patrols to combat DUI.  Check Lane locations are determined by areas known for high amount of DUI related accidents.  (Shawnee Mission Parkway & Nall and 169 Highway South of Olathe are 2 areas known for DUI crashes.)  Check Lanes are more frequently conducted in summer than any other time of year.  Approximately 40 deputies are needed to work DUI Check Lanes.  Check Lanes are grant funded.  JCSO had 15 Check Lanes and 6 Saturation Patrols in 2011.  There were 2 DUI fatality crashes in 2011.  Saturation Patrols generally consist of 5 deputies specifically patrolling a targeted area looking for DUI drivers.  In addition to JCSO run Check Lanes, JCSO will provide 5-10 deputies to local agencies to assist with their DUI Check Lanes.

The goal of Check Lanes is education!  (After graduation from the Citizen's Academy participants will have an opportunity to volunteer at DUI check lanes if they choose to do so.  Might be interesting to see what actually happens at these.  I have been through one before but it was KCMO and it was many years ago...)

Steps to determine someone is DUI include:  Observing Vehicle in Motion, Driver Contact, Clues, SFST, PBT, Arrest, Breath Test, Post Arrest Questioning.

Observing Vehicle in Motion:  Officers will look for signs such as making a wide turn, straddling center or lane marker, almost striking object or vehicle, weaving, swerving, drifting, driving on other than designated roadway, failing to maintain speed, following too closely, braking erratically, headlights off, etc.  If reasonable suspicion based on the above signs, an officer may then pull over a driver.

Driver Contact/Clues:  After pulling over a car, the officer will typically approach the driver's window and ask some preliminary questions. During this phase of the stop the officer will note if they detect any of the following indicators of intoxication

• odor of an alcoholic beverage on the driver's breath or in the car generally
• slurred speech in response to the questioning
• watery, blood shot, and/or reddish eyes
• flushed face
• droopy eyelids
• difficulty in understanding and responding intelligently to question
• fumbling with his or her driver's license and registration
• the plain-view presence of containers of alcoholic beverages in the vehicle.
• admission of consumption of alcoholic beverage
• failing to roll down the window all the way

If the officer observes enough to have a reasonable suspicion to legally justify a further detention and investigation, they will ask the driver to step out of the vehicle.

Field Sobriety Tests (SFST) include:  HGN (horizontal gaze nystagmus test), which involves following an object with the eyes (such as a pen) to determine characteristic eye movement reaction, WAT (walk and turn) and OLS (one leg stand).  The HGN test is predicted to be 77% accurate in determining impairment.  The WAT was determined to be 68% accurate.  The OLS test is only 65% accurate.  (These tests are not fun.  Just sayin!)  Other tests such as reciting the alphabet, counting backwards and finger dexterity are available but are not scientifically validated.

As mentioned previously, portions of class are hands on.  During this class participants got to practice performing the WAT and OLS while wearing drunk glasses.  The glasses mimicked varying levels of intoxication.  It was quite entertaining watching my fellow classmates try and mostly fail at the WAT and OLS.  Three participants lined up at at time to perform the WAT and then 3 more participants lined up to perform the OLS.  An additional participant served as a control subject and perform the tests lined up next to the others but this participant did not wear the drunk glasses so that we could see how a sober person should be able to perform the test versus the impaired participants (via the glasses) failing the test. 

Levels of impairment:  (Note:  the effects of alcohol intoxication are greatly influenced by individual variations among users. Some users may become intoxicated at a much lower Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level than is shown.)

.01-.02 Normal appearance

.02-.03 No loss of coordination, slight euphoria. Mildly relaxed and maybe a little lightheaded.

.03-.06 Feeling of relaxation, lower inhibitions, sensation of warmth. Some minor impairment of reasoning and memory, lowering of caution. Your behavior may become exaggerated and emotions intensified (Good emotions are better, bad emotions are worse).

.06-.09 Slight impairment of balance, speech, vision, reaction time, and hearing. Euphoria. Judgment and self-control are reduced, and caution, reason and memory are impaired. You will probably believe that you are functioning better than you really are.

.10-.19  Significant impairment of motor coordination and loss of good judgment. Speech may be slurred; balance, vision, reaction time and hearing will be impaired. Euphoria.  Gross motor impairment and lack of physical control. Blurred vision and major loss of balance. Euphoria is reduced and dysphoria (anxiety, restlessness) is beginning to appear. Judgment and perception are severely impaired.  Dysphoria predominates, nausea may appear. The drinker has the appearance of a "sloppy drunk."

.20-.29 Feeling dazed, confused or otherwise disoriented. May need help to stand or walk. If you injure yourself you may not feel the pain. Some people experience nausea and vomiting at this level. The gag reflex is impaired and you can choke if you do vomit. Blackouts are likely at this level so you may not remember what has happened. At higher levels, All mental, physical and sensory functions are severely impaired. Increased risk of asphyxiation from choking on vomit and of seriously injuring yourself by falls or other accidents.

.30-.39 STUPOR. You have little comprehension of where you are. You may pass out suddenly and be difficult to awaken.  At higher limits, Coma is possible. This is the level of surgical anesthesia. 

.40-.49 Onset of coma, and possible death due to respiratory arrest.

.50>     Generally results in death

Most people can metabolize (eliminate from system) one drink per hour. One drink is 1.5 oz. of 80 proof liquor, 12 oz. of beer, or 5 oz. of table wine.                             

After an arrest is made the subject is transported to detention where a Confirmation Breath Test is performed to confirm impairment and additional questioning may occur.  A breath alcohol of .08 or greater is considered over the legal limit and will result in arrest and loss of drivers license but plus fines.

The average cost of a DUI is $18,000.  For specific penalties for DUI in Kansas follow this link:  http://www.ksdot.org/burTrafficSaf/alcdriv/DUILaws.asp.  In short, it's expensive and may result in jail time and loss of license!  (I don't know this by personal experience!)  Interlock devices are helping to reduce repeat DUI offenders by as much as 64%.

Future hopes in fighting DUI:  No refusal breath tests, laws where the penalty for refusal outweighs DUI and cars that won't function with BAC >.08.  (This is wishful thinking at the moment but Deputy Shoop indicated he believes we could see some of these implemented in his/our lifetime.)

***Update:  here is a link to an article about a car not starting when the driver is over the legal limit:  Friends don't let friends drive drunk. In the future, your car could be that friend.  http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304023504577321624285798702.html.

For now, our best defense against DUI is to have a designated driver and encourage everyone to not drive impaired.  (They showed a video that really is a tear jerker.  It was made in Europe and is too graphic to be shown on TV in the US but would be GREAT to show to high school students. Maybe the school resource officers could show it in the schools? If I can find it online I will update this entry to include it.)

Next entry will be Accident Investigations.

Week 5 - Patrol Procedures, DUI Enforcement and Accident Investigation - JCSO Citizen's Academy

Week 5 started with an introduction to Patrol Procedures then covered DUI Enforcement and finally Accident Investigations.  As with last week, there is a lot of material so I will break it up in to a couple blog entries.  This entry will cover Patrol.  Captain Shaine Pennington, Sergeant Mark Rokusek and Lieutenant Mike Hart led this portion of the class.

Patrol Division consists of four specialized units: Community Policing (update:  I learned in my most recent ride along that Community Policing is no longer an active unit but rather this task is split up among deputies in patrol), Directed Patrol, Patrol, and Accident Investigation; also one full-time Animal Control Officer.  Directed Patrol and Animal Control will be covered in a later class.  This week's class focused on Patrol.

The Patrol Division is located in the Sheriff’s Office Operations Building at the New Century Air Center.  Purpose of the Patrol Division is to provide law enforcement and other related safety services to citizens residing in unincorporated Johnson County.  Also, the cities of De Soto and Edgerton contract law enforcement services with the Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies patrol nearly 240 square miles 24 hours/day. JCSO has 5 patrol districts.  For a district map follow this link to their web page: http://www.jocosheriff.org/index.aspx?page=137.  1 deputy is assigned to patrol each district per shift.  There is also a shift commander and patrol sergeant available to go out in the field as needed.  JCSO also provides mutual aid to city police departments as needed and vice verse.  Approximately 29 miles of I35 runs through JC and keeps deputies and other municipalities busy with everything from traffic accidents to smugglers of illegal contraband.

Patrol deputies respond to emergency and other calls for service, preserve the peace, enforce state and other applicable criminal and traffic laws, investigate vehicular accidents and apprehend violators of the law. The Patrol Division also directs animal control activities in the unincorporated areas of the County.  Each officer assigned to the division is a certified law enforcement officer in the State of Kansas and must complete an additional 16 week training program specific to patrol after completion of the police academy.

Calls for service stats:  9855 calls in 2009, 10339 in 2010 and 9043 in 2011.  Calls for service do not include self initiated activity by deputies.  Calls for service tend to trend and there is no known correlation for why it decreases in some years and goes up in others.  In 2011 of the 9043 calls for service, 5003 reports were generated (meaning some type of action was taken), 3531 calls resulted in a Field Disposition Report (meaning no crime was found to have occurred and no action was taken), 447 calls were non-injury auto accidents, 59 calls were injury auto accidents, 3 calls were fatality crashes (Accident Investigation team was deployed for the auto accident calls).  There were no homicides in 2011 and one attempted homicide. 

7063 traffic citations were written in 2011 which equals about 19/day. (I am happy to report I was not one of them!)

Average response time for emergency calls is approximately 7 minutes.  Average response time for non-emergency calls is 13 minutes.  

Arrest stats:  905 in 2009, 1025 in 2010 and 962 in 2011.  Of those arrests, 302 were DUI in 2009, 335 in 2010 and 337 in 2011.  JCSO is consistently in top 5 among local law enforcement agencies in arresting impaired drivers.  They use check lanes and saturation patrols.  More about DUI Enforcement later...

Equipment used by deputies includes:  Uniform/Duty Gear, Vehicle (JCSO will be transitioning from the Ford Crown Vic to the Chevy Tahoe), Radar, Mobile Data Terminal, Video System.  AXON camera system made by TASER is currently being tested by deputies for use in detention and in the field.

It was during this class that participants got to sign up for a ride along opportunity.  I will be doing my first one in a few weeks.  I requested to do at least one of my ride alongs with a female officer because I think it's interesting that women want to be law enforcement officers in what is still truly a male dominant profession.  (Women still account for only about 15% of leo's across the nation.  I requested the stats for JCSO and they are right at 15%.)  I would like to know if women feel they have an advantage or disadvantage.  Looking forward to the ride along and will of course blog about it.

Next blog entry will cover DUI Enforcement...

Week 4 Continued... Use of Force - JCSO Citizen's Academy

After learning about PSU we moved on to Use of Force.  Lieutenant Joe Nagy, Sergeant John Lafferty and Deputies from the Training Unit led this portion of the  class and provided information, instructions and "hands on" practice. Taser, Hand to Hand Combat and FX Scenarios were the focus.

Types of Resistance encountered by Deputies include:  Verbal Assault (verbal abuse, threats), Verbal (unwillingness to follow commands), Contamination (spitting, urine, feces, chemical), Battery (strikes, kicks, biting), Physical (pulling away, clenched hands), Passive (sitting, laying, standing), Psychological Display (stance, fists, stare, flexed) and Deadly (firearms, knife, blunt object).  Why do you all want to do this job again??? 

Types of Control used by Deputies include:  Visual Display (baton, oc spray, firearms, taser), Specialty Tools (chemical munitions, taser, SIM), Soft Empty Hand (touch pressure, limb control, oc, directing), Hard Empty Hand (punches, strikes, kicks), Verbal (verbal direction), Diversionary Devices, Lethal (firearms).

We had 3 stations to go through:  Hand to Hand Combat, FX Scenarios, Taser

Hand to Hand Combat:  This station focused on how a deputy reacts when encountering a combative subject at close range.  Again the goal of every officer is to go home at the end of their shift.  They have a saying, "Treat everyone like a million bucks but be prepared to kill them if necessary!" 

Deputies demonstrated defense tactics such as pressure points that can be used to gain compliance from a subject.  When I say class was "hands on" that means we had the option to participate if we wanted to.  We practiced a few pressure points on each other. 

Deputies then demonstrated how to prevent someone from taking their gun.  (Interesting stat... 40% of officers killed by gunfire are killed by their own gun after it was taken by a subject.)  If you are a law enforcement officer the last thing you want to happen is for someone to gain control of your gun so deputies showed how to block a subject from taking it while it is in the holster. 

Since many deputies work in detention they may encounter a shank or other edge weapon so the next demonstration was how to block an attack from a subject with an edge weapon by creating an angle.  You may not necessarily gain control of the weapon by this technique but you gain time to get away from the subject or for backup to arrive to help. 

Deputies also demonstrated use of force with empty hand, closed fist (hint... you might break fingers or knuckles if done improperly so open/empty hand is a good alternative) and other body parts such as elbow.  Sometimes the only weapon you have is your body but if you know how to use it you can defuse combative situations even if you are out sized by your combative subject.

FX Scenarios:  FX refers to use of non-lethal cartridges in firearms during training.  FX is just the brand JCSO chose to go with.  Again, if we wanted to participate we could.  Not everyone chose to participate.  I chose to participate.  We were given 2 scenarios. 

The first scenario was a suicidal subject with a gun.  I got killed in this scenario because I didn't have a clue what I was doing.  I was dead before I reacted.  I guess I thought since there were 2 deputies going in to the garage with me that they were leading the scenario and I was just along for the ride (ie I wasn't listening!).  I am a fast learner though! 

The second scenario was a domestic disturbance with an individual that was not known for violence.  I knew this time that I was the officer responding to the call and it was up to me to control the situation.  The deputies talk about using tunnel vision when responding to a call.  In other words focusing on the subject and not so much on others that might be there that are not directly involved in the situation.  Even though I knew there were 2 deputies going in to the garage with me I used my tunnel vision to ignore them since they weren't actually part of the scenario.  (I did manage to revert out of tunnel vision long enough to not shoot them which they probably appreciated!)  I walked in to the garage, established a conversation with the subject by saying I was called to the residence for a disturbance.  I asked the subject if there was a problem.  He engaged in conversation at the beginning by saying, "no officer, there's no problem" (I wonder how many times officers hear that in a day?) but as the conversation continued the subject then said, "come here, I have something to show you."  I was smart enough NOT to go to him but instead retreated which was good because the subject then showed a knife and proceeded to charge at me.  When the subject refused to drop the knife, I pulled and fired my weapon and to my surprise hit the subject twice in the chest.  I am pretty sure the deputies observing were shocked after my colossal fail in the first scenario that I would survive the second scenario much less put the subject down.  Hey, I said I'm a fast learner!  Afterwards we reviewed the scenario and I asked if I reacted too fast with my gun and they said no.  Even though the subject had a knife versus gun, the subject refused to drop the knife and charged at me.  I had no choice but to fire my weapon for my safety.  This was just a practice scenario.  I can't imagine having to shoot someone in real life!  I will definitely not be too quick to jump to judgment next time I hear an officer had to shoot a subject! 

Taser:  Did you know the Taser has been around since 1974?  A Taser is an electroshock weapon that uses electrical current to disrupt voluntary control of muscles.  The first taser was a 7 watt which was determined not to do very much.  Pain compliance tasers (stun guns) are referred to as 1st and 2nd generation tasers.  In 2003 the Taser X26 was introduced.  It has pain compliance and electro-muscular disruption capabilities (often referred to 3rd and 4th generation tasers).  Someone struck by a taser experiences stimulation of his or her sensory nerves and motor nerves, resulting in strong involuntary muscle contractions.  Tasers do not rely only on pain compliance, except when used in Drive Stun mode, and are thus preferred by some law enforcement over non-Taser stun guns and other electronic control weapons. JCSO carries the Taser X26.  The Taser is a closed loop circuit so it cannot shock anyone not hit by the taser.  The Taser fires two small dart-like electrodes, which stay connected to the main unit by conductive wire as they are propelled by small compressed nitrogen charges similar to some air gun or paintball marker propellants. There are a number of cartridges designated by range, with the maximum at 35 feet.  The electrodes are pointed to penetrate clothing and barbed to prevent removal once in place. Tasers primarily function by creating neuromuscular incapacitation. This creates an immediate and unavoidable incapacitation that cannot be overcome. Once the electricity stops flowing the subject immediately regains control of his/her body.  Most subjects after being Tazed once will comply so as to avoid being Tazed a second time.  A taze lasts 5 seconds. It has 19 pulses per second at 0.5 joules per pulse (compare that to an AED which has 150-400 joules per pulse). The voltage varies from 1200V to 50.000V depending on how much resistance it has to overcome. It will only produce as much voltage as necessary to overcome resistance (barrier such as clothing, etc). 

Again, I said this was a "hands on" class but participants could choose to participate or not.  I chose NOT to get tazed but some of my counterparts weren't quite so smart.  Here is video of 2 of my classmates:

This concludes Week 4.  Next week is Introduction to Patrol. 

Week 4 - Professional Standards Unit and Use of Force - JCSO Citizen's Academy

Professional Standards Unit  (PSU) was to be included in Week 3 but got deferred to Week 4.  Still no Major Reed but Sgt Bryan Wise stood in for him.  This post will be about PSU and then I will do a separate post about the Use of Force.

The Professional Standards Unit is similar to Internal Affairs, it's just a nicer way to say it really.  PSU consists of a Commander, a Sergeant, a Detective and a Deputy.  Major Reed is the Commander.  Bryan Wise is the Sergeant.  Deputy Sander and Detective Shore round out the Unit.

The Professional Standards Unit provides the Sheriff's Office with a thorough, consistent and fair investigative review of complaints and commendations.  

The PSU is located within the Administration Division of the Sheriff's Office and reports directly to the Sheriff.

The PSU has full authority to conduct investigations without interference from any employee.

Professional standards exists to provide the following services to employees of the Sheriff's Office and the community:

•  To protect the public from misconduct of an employee.
•  To protect the department and employees from false accusations of misconduct.
•  To provide an early warning system of misconduct.
•  To identify organizational conditions that may contribute to misconduct.
•  To acknowledge employees for conduct above and beyond the call of duty.

PSU serves as the "Eyes and Ears" of the Sheriff.  PSU performs audits of all Divisions, investigates complaints, reviews awards before being presented and provides assistance/guidance to commanders and supervisors.

  

Complaints can be from External Sources (Citizens, Agencies or Anonymous Sources) or Internal Sources (Employees).  A Complaint is any allegation, verbal or written, against an employee from a citizen, supervisor or other employee brought to the Professional Standard Unit’s attention, that if true would constitute a violation of the Professional Standards.

  

In 2011 there were 97 total Complaints (Dispositions) registered.  That was a 29% decrease from 2010.  Of the 97, 58 of those Dispositions were Sustained with action taken.   (40 were from Internal Sources and the other 18 were from External Sources).

  

Awards (Commendations) are praise for any aspect of an employee’s performance.  In 2011, 531 Awards were presented to Deputies.  Awards include Letters of Appreciation, Thank You notes, Perfect Attendance and the Star Award (Service That Attracts Recognition).

  

(Stats were provided in class by Sgt. Wise)

PSU also performs Compliance Audits on all Divisions to assure that they are following Policies and Procedures.

  

Complaints may be made in person or by telephone, fax, e-mail, electronic form submission via their web page http://www.jocosheriff.org/ or US mail service.  Racial Profiling Complaints can be made via the Sheriff's Office or with the Kansas human rights commission on their website www.khrc.net.

Commendations to express appreciation or commend a member of the Sheriff's Office for a "job well done" may be made via fax, e-mail, electronic form submission or write a letter to the Sheriff or to the Professional Standards Unit.

You may remain Anonymous.  Hint... don't submit it electronically if you want to remain anonymous.  Just sayin'!!!  In all seriousness though, many people are quick to complain but few take the time to submit a complement or letter of appreciation.  JCSO makes it very easy for you to do so.  I have actually submitted a letter of appreciation electronically.  If you read my post about why I wanted to attend the citizen's academy you may recall that I mentioned an encounter with a JCSO deputy.  It was a few years ago.  Um... yes I had expired tags but there was a little more to it than that and although it wasn't a big deal it's still my embarrassing moment so that's all I am sharing about that incident.  Anyway, I was so surprised by how friendly, professional (and patient!) the deputy was that I submitted the letter of appreciation.  Of course I assumed a couple things when I did so.  I assumed I would never see the deputy again and if I did, that the deputy wouldn't remember me.  I was wrong on both accounts, oops!  Oh well, it wasn't a big deal and I can laugh at myself!  I have no regrets about submitting it even if it's a little embarrassing running in to the deputy as much as I do.   :)   I am pretty sure I will have to find a different morning routine if that deputy reads this blog though.  One can only take so much embarrassment!  (Update:  I assumed when starting this blog that the deputy would never read it.  Had no idea it would be read by so many people!  I haven't changed my morning routine though despite turning what was an embarassing moment in to an even more embarassing moment by mentioning it in this blog!)

Okay, okay... I know what you really want to know about is the "hands on" portion of class involving Use of Force.  That's my next blog entry...

Week 3 - Training/Academy Training; Intro to Use of Force - JCSO Citizen's Academy

Well tonight's class was to include an introduction to the Professional Standards Unit but that discussion has been deferred to a different night due to a conflict (ie someone forgot to communicate to Major Reed that he was supposed to present tonight.  Oops!)  So, class consisted of Training and Intro to Force.

Captain Rick Simpson and Lieutenant Joe Nagy discussed violence faced by officers and some of the stats.  Lieutenant Nagy stated that Line of Duty deaths are on record pace again this year.  Actually that's not accurate.  LOD deaths are down 51% this year compared to this time last year but his point about LOD deaths being too many is accurate.  One LOD death is too many (regardless of your profession)!  Law Enforcement Officer LOD deaths by gunfire are down 50% and Auto-Related deaths are down 43%.  (Statistics are from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund web page. Click here to go to their page.)  The numbers are still very high compared to just a few years ago indicating that violence against LEOs is very high and not really decreasing.  Because of the risk of violence, JCSO focuses on survival training for their deputies.  The goal is to go home at the end of their shift.  Training helps officers be safe and provide safety to those they serve.

Lieutenant Nagy discussed training.  JCSO has 8 trainers whose full time job is to focus on training their deputies.  JCSO also has 2 deputies assigned specifically to Research and Planning.  They are responsible for trying out new equipment, technology etc for the department and once it is decided to move forward with the new equipment or technology, to train the deputies on it.  JCSO has approximately 470 deputies that require training so that can be a daunting task!

JCSO Trainers have 3 main responsibilities: 1) Train New Recruits; 2) In-Service Training; 3) Specialty Classes.  JCSO primarily uses the Police Academy at Johnson County Community College for new hires but occasionally will use the Hutchison, KS location depending on hire date.  JCSO provides instructors to assist at the Police Academy.  State mandates requires deputies to attain a minimum of 40 hours of training a year to maintain their certification as a LEO.  JCSO often goes above and beyond the state requirements.  Lt. Nagy ran the stats from last years training and learned that JCSO deputies averaged 109 hours of training last year.  Nice job JCSO!

Deputies receive 3 weeks of training before they even go to the Police Academy.  Many new hires are brand new to Law Enforcement.  Firearms and Emergency Driving are often the most difficult tasks for recruits to master so JCSO orients them to it before they head off to the Academy.  JCSO does this so that deputies are introduced to JCSO policies and procedures but ALSO to set them up for success at the Academy.  The Police Academy lasts 16 weeks.  Deputies will then return to JCSO for additional training before moving in to their assigned positions.

One participant asked if deputies have fitness standards they must meet.  New hires must pass a fitness battery test upon hire that follows the Cooper Fitness Institute Standards.  Once hired there are no standards that must be met annually.  Editors note:  This is pretty consistent nationwide.  For some reason Law Enforcement has not followed suit with the Fire Industry in implementing annual requirements.  May be a political issue as was seen in the Fire Industry.  This is an area that I follow closely due to my profession which includes stress testing on fire fighters and law enforcement officers.  You will note though that many municipalities now provide Wellness programs to their employees to include fire and police but these are not mandated standards that must be followed.  It is however an improvement.  Update:  During week 4 when I was doing the FX scenarios I was speaking with some of the deputies involved with training and they really hope that fitness will become part of their annual training.  They have reason to believe that it might which sounds good because too many times an officer is injured when they may not have been if they were in better physical condition.

JCSO training standards include yearly training on Weapons, Emergency Driving and Defensive (Officer Survival) Tactics.  CPR training is every 2 years and Cultural Diversity training is every 2-3 years.  Deputies in specialty roles such as Directed Patrol are required to attend additional training.  Some areas of additional training include:  Spanish for LEOs, Training Officer Certification, Active Shooter Response (necessary due to increased multi casualty shootings now occurring in US), Equipment Orientation, Simulator Training, Tactical Firearms, Stop Stick, Coach Van Driver, Seminars geared towards law enforcement and outside specialty training as needed.

Lt. Nagy showed a presentation on violence faced by officers.  Officers are taught to never give up no matter what (injured or not).  The Use of Force Law was introduced and JCSO's philosophy on training for the Use of Force model was discussed. 

Class concluded with a brief review of Simulator training and a few participants got to practice on the Simulator.  Some were good, others not so much.  I didn't get an opportunity to practice so I better not knock anyone who did! 

Next week we will be introduced to the equipment JCSO uses and get a chance to practice different scenarios.  Should be interesting!

Week 2 - Jail - JCSO Citizen's Academy

Week 2 included an introduction to and tour of the jail (Adult Detention Center)

Class started with the Mission Statement:

The Johnson County Adult Detention Centers were designed and constructed to provide citizens of Johnson County with safe and secure facilities that either meet or exceed the standards articulated by local, state, federal, and professional agencies.

These facilities, under the direction of the Sheriff, will ensure the safety of the inmate, correctional staff, deputies and the community by providing professional training and a proper work environment for the correctional staff and deputies by utilizing the most current techniques available in the field of corrections.

By availing ourselves of community resources, by careful and progressive planning, coupled with the use of inmate management techniques, these detention centers will operate in the most cost-effective manner possible.

Deputies reiterated what Sheriff Frank Denning emphasized the first night of class, that JCSO wants to be the leader in the industry and expects the best from their deputies because the citizen's of Johnson County deserve the best.  I don't remember all the deputies names from class but Deputy Mitchell and his counterparts are proud of their jail.  You could see their enthusiasm as they spoke and toured us through the jail.  They take pride in providing the safest environment possible for those unlucky enough to be spending time in their jail.  Deputy Mitchell was named Deputy of the Year in 2011 and was very proud of it!  The average tenure of deputies in Detention is 9 years.  Many deputies spend their entire career in Detention by choice rather than go in to patrol or other divisions.

The first jail in Kansas opened in Gum Springs (now Shawnee).  As Johnson County grew it was determined Olathe would be a better location for the jail.  That facility is now under renovation and once complete will be the central booking location.  Currently 20 municipalities transport detainees to JCSO at the New Century location which can house 816 total.  JCSO has seen a 7.4% increase in arrests over the past decade necessitating the need for more bed space and the subsequent renovation at both the Olathe location and New Century location.

JCSO books nearly 17,000 people in to their jails annually. The average daily intake of arrestees is 45. The average daily count of inmates is 625 with approximately 100 of those women. The average length of stay is 16-18 days. JCSO has a classification system which includes: Minimum Security - Medium Security - Maximum Security - Segregation (usually those that can't follow rules) - Special Needs - Medical - Female - Pre-classification.

JCSO operates a Direct Supervision Open Modular system.  Principles of Direct Supervision include:  Direction - Consistency - Consequences.  Deputies work in the jail rather than Corrections Officers (as seen in many city jail systems).  Deputies have only their hands, OC spray and a Tazer (if certified) to use to diffuse combative situations.  Despite this, deputies state they feel very safe in the jail. Because of the open module system help is only seconds away.  Civilians can work in administration, property or classification but not in direct contact with inmates. 

Deputies are also responsible for transporting inmates to court appearances, medical appointments and warrants. 3770 transports occurred in 2011.

Deputies demonstrated how to restrain a combative inmate.  One class attendee volunteered to be handcuffed.  Another volunteered to be restrained in a restrain chair.  You won't see me volunteering for either!

Class concluded with a tour of the jail including Booking, Command Center and areas overlooking the Pre-classification Module, Minimum Security Module and Medium Security Module as well as other areas like Visiting and the Library.  I was surprised by how quiet the jail seemed.  JCSO is known to be state of the art and their jail lives up to that reputation.

I have never involuntarily walked in to the Adult Detention Center and as nice as it may seem (for a jail), I can profoundly say "It's better to be a visitor than a guest!"  Thanks for the tour JCSO!

Week 1 - Orientation - JCSO Citizen's Academy

Captain Rick Simpson started off by saying the first night of class would be the most exciting (ok, not really). The first night was about housekeeping items, structure/employment overview and introduction to records, fleet & property units.

We were issued citizens academy shirts to be worn each week and had our mug shots taken for id that has to be worn each week. Fully expect that to be the ONLY time I get my mug shot taken! So it wasn't really a mug shot, but you get my point...

Sheriff Frank Denning spoke for a few minutes about the Sheriff's Office, the core values - Duty-Honor-Service - and how he expects the best out of deputies and staff because the community is "boss" and we deserve their best. He was very passionate as he spoke. He introduced Undersheriff Kevin Cavanaugh who re-emphasized those same points.

Our class is the 30th class to attend the citizen's academy. The first class was in 2001, initiated by Sheriff Foster. Nearly 600 people have attended the citizens academy. Captain Simpson emphasized that they are proud of the community involvement and hope participants will continue on to volunteer once the academy is complete. (Uh oh... Guess I didn't know what I was getting myself in to!  Could be interesting!)

Lieutenant Doug Wade discussed department structure, chain of command, recruitment, hiring process, testing, benefits, etc for deputies. There are nearly 600 employees in the Sheriffs Office involved in Operations, Detention, Support Services and Communications/Judicial. Detention can hold up to 814 people at New Century and Olathe will be able to hold 300 once renovation is complete. All deputies start in detention before moving to different departments. Many stay in detention. JCSO is very proud of their jail and emphasize providing a clean facility, compassion, care and respect for those unfortunate to be placed in their care.

Next up was a roundtable discussion in which participants were able to ask questions to 4 deputies ranging from 1 - 20+ years of experience among the different departments. The key point made by deputies that work in detention is that you have to be able to communicate effectively with inmates. Be compassionate but alert. Safety of inmate is important but so is safety of personnel.

Most gratifying moments mentioned by deputies were: keeping inmates safe while in custody, being able to help someone/reassuring them in their time of need, meeting someone after their incident and learning how they have positively changed their life.

Brian Dowling - Support Services Manager - discussed Records, Fleet & Property. JCSO will be switching to the Tahoe 4x2 now that the Crown Vic is no longer being made. JCSO obtains nearly 1300 pieces of evidence every month.

Sheila Wacker - Records Supervisor - discussed records. JCSO is responsible for maintaining Sex, Drug & Violent Offender registration for Johnson County. Nearly 250/month. Non-compliance of offenders to register is less than 1%. That's something to be proud of. Nice job JCSO!

Tina Merryfield - Senior Records Specialist - discussed the Master Name Index. Many people have aliases making it harder to keep track of offenders particularly those who may be in the US illegally. (I have an alias and if you think about it, many of you reading this do too!) The MNU is helpful to the Immigration Customs Enforcement unit.

The goals for the academy include: to educate the community on the role of the Johnson County Sheriff's Office; to provide "hands on" realistic instruction relevant to Sheriff's services; to continue enhancement of positive relationships between community and JCSO; to provide opportunity for community to get to know the men & women serving in the Sheriff's Office.

Now that the housekeeping items are complete, time for the "hands on" experience. Next week is intro to and tour of the jail (Adult Detention Center).

Line up... JCSO Citizen's Academy

Here's the scheduled line up for the 12 week academy:

Week 1 - Welcome, orientation & overview. Introduction to Sheriff, Undersheriff and key personnel that will be involved in citizens academy.

Week 2 - Introduction to & tour of Adult Detention Center.

Week 3 - Professional Standards Unit; Training/Academy Training; Intro to Use of Force

Week 4 - Use of Force

Week 5 - Patrol Procedures; DUI Enforcement; Accident Investigation

Week 6 - Warrants; S.E.R.T./Tactical Considerations

Week 7 - Civil Division; Court Security; Courthouse Tours

Week 8 - Communications/Dispatch

Week 9 - Directed Patrol/Canine Officers; Basic Gang Identification

Week 10 - Investigations Division

Week 11 - Introduction to and Tour of Crime Laboratory

Week 12 - Dinner and Final Q&A Session

In addition to the scheduled classes participants are encouraged to ride with the Road Patrol Division a minimum of 4 hours during the course of the Academy. There will also be 2 Saturday sessions. One is Emergency Vehicle Operations and the other includes introduction to weapons and time at the Range.

I will blog about each week shortly after class has been completed.