Southeastern Louisiana University

Training

     It is the policy of the Southeastern Louisiana University Police Department to provide training in job related topics for its officers. Training is one of the most important responsibilities of any law enforcement agency and serves three broad purposes.  First, well trained officers are better prepared to act decisively and correctly in a broad spectrum of situations.  Second, training results in greater productivity and effectiveness.  Finally, training fosters cooperation and unity of purpose.

The Training Division of the University Police Department is responsible for continually providing our officers with the latest training for police officers as mandated by the State of Louisiana.  Our officers are commissioned by the LA Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections, and must successfully complete a Basic P.O.S.T. (Peace Officers Standards and Training) Academy before being commissioned.

Our Training Sergeant is committed to providing our officers with the best training possible, from courses available through area state and federal agencies. Semi-annual training is mandatory for firearms, and our officers receive annual in-service training in such topics as first aid, CPR, and use of force, as well as other timely topics. We also receive training in cultural diversity, victim/witness assistance, response to interpersonal violence, and community policing.

Along with the Community Education officer, the Training Division works to provide various classes and training to the Southeastern Community.

For more information, contact Sgt. Chris Durham by calling 985-549-5922, or e-mail him at jdurham@selu.edu.

Emergency Medical Response Training

Emergency Medical Response Training

Every University Police Officer, Parking Enforcement Officer, and Lion Traxx Shuttle Services employee is trained in:

• Basic First Aid;
• CPR;
• Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use; and
• Blood-borne Pathogens.

The Department has an American Red Cross instructor on staff to ensure these certifications are renewed when necessary.

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Firearms Training

Before an officer may carry a firearm on or off duty, he or she must demonstrate proficiency with that weapon.

Officers qualify with an approved service weapon on the POST-approved Firearms Qualification Course twice each year.

The POST Course consists of various stages of fire from 25 to 2 yards from the target, firing 240 rounds of ammunition in a specified program, including:

Draw and fire;
Fire, re-load, fire;
Fire and return to holster;
Fire from standing and kneeling positions; and
Move and fire.

Officers who fail to qualify may be relieved of law enforcement duties until proficiency is demonstarted to the satisfaction of a POST Firearms Instructor.

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Defensive Tactics Training

Our Department utilizes techniques according to the Monadnock Defensive Tactics system.

The Monadnock Defensive Tactics System (MDTS) is a basic defensive tactics and subject-control program created by the internationally recognized Monadnock Police Training Council.  The focus of this training system is to stabilize and control non-compliant subjects who are unarmed.  It provides increased officer safety and lessens the opportunities for combative subjects to receive injuries.  Topics covered include ¨arm locks¨ and ¨escort holds¨, handcuffing, blocking skills, active defensive skills (strikes/kicks) and weapon retention.

The Monadnock Expandable Baton (MEB) training provides multiple defensive blocks to protect the officer along with several different strikes and target areas.   Training also includes baton retention techniques, since baton retention not only protects the officer from a possible impact weapon strike; it also protects the subject from a potentially deadly escalation of force.  

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Less-Lethal Force Options

Subject Control Sprays

The University Police Department equips its employees with Aerko, Inc Freeze +P subject control spray.  Freeze +P contains a mixture of CS ("Tear Gas") and OC (Oleoresin Capsicum, or "Pepper Spray") and is utilized to gain control over non-compliant, resistive, and/or combative subjects and/or for crowd control purposes.  Employees are required to complete a user-certification training course prior to utilizing a subject control spray on duty.

Taser M26 / X26

The University Police Department utilizes several Taser M26 / X26 conducted energy deivces which utilize electrical pulses to temporarily incapacitate non-compliant, resistive, and/or combative subjects.  Many of the units issued within our Department are also equipped with a mounted camera/audio recording system.  Employees are required to complete a user-certification training course prior to utilizing a conducted energy device on duty.

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Police Mountain Bike Training

     Southeastern Bike Patrol Officers must complete the International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA) and Louisiana POST certified Police Cyclist course before beginning patrol on bicycle.  During this course, the trainee will learn how to properly utilize a bicycle in order to fulfill their law enforcement duties.  Training includes:

• Slow-Riding Techniques;
• Vehicular Cycling Techniques;
• Cycling Laws;
• Emergency Dismounts;
• Patrol Procedures;
• Night Cycling Etiquette;
• Obstacle Clearing;
• Riding Up and Down Stairs;
• Basic Maintenance;
• First aid; and
• Other important safety material. 

     In addition to bicycle training, members of the Southeastern Bike Patrol Squad must also attend and utilize training in Community Oriented Policing Theory, Working with Diverse Populations, Community Relations, Communication Skills, and Ethics for Police Officers.

Equipment

     From the 1990's, when we had two GT mountain bikes, the University Police Department has progressed to four, full-time IPMBA certified officer positions.  As funding becomes available, we have been replacing our old, hard-ridden, worn-out bikes with new Smith & Wesson mountain bikes.  These 21-speed, lightweight patrol cycles are equipped with:

• lighting systems required of emergency vehicles under Louisiana State Law;
• night patrol attachments, including necessary materials for maximum conspicuity;
• saddle bags for first aid equipment, report-taking, and repair tools; and
• all other fittings for compliance with LRS Title 32 Regulations concerning bicycles as road vehicles.

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Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Academy

Our officers are vested with full police powers and are POST certified.Officers receive the same academy and advanced officer training as their municipal and Parish law enforcement counterparts.

Minimum Training Requirements:
All full-time officers, as defined in R.S. 40:2402, Shall Complete a basic training course as prescribed and certified by the Council on Peace Officers Standards.  The Student will complete a training course with a minimum of 320 hours for full certification and meet the POST requirements for firearms certification.

Southeastern Louisiana University Police Department currently sends our officers to the Louisiana State Police Training Facility in Baton Rouge for POST Certification.

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Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTO Program):

The Southeastern Louisiana University Police Department’s Field Training and Evaluation Program is a 20 week (10 Phase) program that has been designed to build on the foundation of knowledge given to the recruit at the P.O.S.T. Academy, thereby creating an environment in which the trainee may develop new skills as well as increase proficiency in those acquired in the academy setting.  Goals of the FTO Program:

1.  To produce a highly motivated and positively motivated police officer capable of meeting or exceeding standards of performance required by the Southeastern Louisiana University Police Department.

2.  To provide equal and standardized training to all newly hired police officers and to provide remedial training in those areas where deficiencies are identified.

3.  To improve the Department’s screening process by providing on-the-job observations of each trainee’s performance.

4.  To establish an appraisal system which is valid and job related, utilizing a standardized and systematic approach to the documented measurement of probationary officer performance.

5.  To establish career paths within the Department by providing qualified officers with additional training and opportunities to develop leadership skills.

6.  To ultimately increase the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the Department by enhancing the climate of professionalism and competency demanded by the ethical standards of law enforcement.