In-Service Training Course Descriptions

Advanced Interview & Interrogation

2 credits
This 35-hour course is designed to provide both the public safety investigator and the uniformed officer with techniques that will assist in obtaining information critical to any investigation to include street stops, traffic stops, violation, misdemeanor and felony investigations. Participants will learn and develop proven skills through a series of lectures and classroom exercises. The class begins with victim interviews, neighborhood checks, informant interviews, developing witnesses and ends with the criminal interrogation. Instructional areas include interpreting body language, how to communicate effectively, advanced methods of neurolinguistics; assess and critique recorded interviews, and courtroom testimony.

Prerequisites: Full or part-time active duty NYS certified police, peace, or campus public safety officer; Completion of the PSTF Interview & Interrogation Course.

Advanced Patrol Tactics

2 credits
This 35-hour course provides experienced patrol officers with advanced skills and tactics while addressing high-risk situations in both shooting and non-shooting situations. The course focuses on safety priorities and minimizing risk given the myriad circumstances patrol officers face in today’s society. Students can expect intensive, hands-on training and should attend this course with the capability and motivation to participate in a stressful environment, both physically and mentally. Instructional areas include situational risk and threat analysis, operational planning, building/room clearing tactics, basic/advanced handgun manipulation/shooting skills, basic/advanced rifle shooting skills, vehicle-based CQB/shooting/defensive tactics, weapons-based entanglements/defensive tactics, vehicle stops, field medical training, and aggressive deadly response.

Prerequisites: Full or part-time active duty NYS certified police officer with a minimum three (3) years patrol-related experience; DCJS Patrol Rifle certification or equivalent.

Aerosol Subject Restraint (ASR) Instructor

1 credit
This is a MPTC approved and DCJS certified 16-hour course that prepares students to instruct topics related to the use of oleoresin capsicum (OC) aerosol restraint. Instructional areas include the history of chemical sprays, selection, safety, and effectiveness of chemical sprays, hand held personal delivery systems, methods of carry, operational guidelines, in-custody death, case studies, decontamination, and deployment and control tactics/empty-hand techniques. The course includes both classroom instruction and practical exercises. Student exposure to Oleoresin Capsicum at the instructor level is mandated.

Prerequisites: Full or part-time active duty NYS certified police, peace, of campus public safety officer; Completion of a DCJS approved Instructor Development Course; Completion of an initial ASR program (MPTC or Department of Corrections approved).

Aggressive Deadly Behavior Response

2 credits
This is a 40-hour designed to prepare police officers for a response to critical incidents that potentially involve aggressive deadly behavior. Participants must be able to withstand live-fire shooting, external and internal team operations and movement associated with the environment. The emphasis of this course is to prepare officers who may be called upon, at any stage, to operate, command, and control an aggressive deadly behavior incident. Instructional areas include planning, CQB, external movement, shooting on the move, internal operations, multiple team coordination and link-ups, command and control, and tactical casualty combat care.

Prerequisite: Full or part-time active duty NYS certified police officer.

Background Investigations

.5 credit
This 8-hour course covers the procedures necessary to conduct thorough background investigations for potential law enforcement candidates. Upon completion of the course, participants will possess the tools needed to complete a background investigation that will provide their employer with the ability to make sound candidate selections. Instructional areas include practical implications of a background investigation, definitions and terminology, steps in the pre-employment screening process, civil service laws pertaining to the hiring process, medical standards, background investigation process, sources of information, and the background investigation report.

Prerequisite: Full or part-time active duty NYS certified police, peace, or campus public safety officer. Civilian employees of a law enforcement or public safety agency may be granted access on a case-by-case basis.

Basic Criminal Investigations

4.5 credits
This is a MPTC approved and DCJS certified 70-hour course designed to familiarize police officers, and in particular, newly appointed police investigators and detectives, with the process of conducting criminal investigations for the critical task of solving crime. Instructional areas include basic investigative techniques, case notes and report, documentation, information gathering techniques, investigative tools and techniques, crime analysis and crime patterning, informants and confidential sources, forensics, crimes against persons and property, specialized investigation topics, courtroom testimony and case preparation, and media relations.

Prerequisite: Full or part-time active duty NYS certified police, peace, or campus public safety officer.

Basic Investigative Photography

2 credits
This is a MPTC approved and DCJS certified 35-hour course designed to teach the skills necessary to effectively photograph a crime scene and the evidence contained therein. This course is for criminal justice personnel with all levels of photography experience. Instructional areas include basic photographic equipment, digital photography, basic techniques of photography, lighting techniques, flash photography, crime scene and evidence photography.

Prerequisite: Full or part-time active duty NYS certified police, peace, or campus public safety officer. Civilian employees of a law enforcement or public safety agency may be granted access on a case-by-case basis.

Breath Analysis Operator

2 credits
This is a MPTC approved and DCJS certified 24-hour course that trains and certifies law enforcement personnel in the operation of the DataMaster DMT Infrared Breath Test instrument. The program presents information on the effects of alcohol on the human body, operational procedures, NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law and case law pertaining to alcohol impairment and enforcement. Instructional areas include the metric system, alcohol properties and production, breath alcohol testing and Henry’s Law, Infrared and fuel cell theory, infrared instrument internal operation, reference standard, securing a proper sample, NYS operational procedures, DataMaster DMT maintenance and setup, and testimony and legal considerations. Course participants must pass both a written test and an instrument proficiency examination in order to receive certification.

Prerequisite: Full or part-time active duty NYS certified police officer.

Breath Analysis Operator Recertification

Non-credit
Pursuant to Department of Health regulations, all Breath Analysis Operators must be re-certified every two years. To be eligible for recertification, currently certified operators must successfully complete a written examination at an authorized testing center prior to the expiration of their current permit. Successful students will receive a Breath Analysis Operator Permit from the NYS Department of Health which will expire two years from the date of issuance.

Prerequisites: Full or part-time active duty NYS certified police officer; Current NYS Dept. of Health BAO certification.

Course in Police Supervision

6 credits
This is a MPTC approved and DCJS certified 105-hour course designed for law enforcement officers that have or will receive permanent appointment as a first-line supervisor. The curriculum provides a learning experience that assists the newly-appointed supervisor in making the transition from the rank-and-file to management. Through practical exercises, attendees will learn to successfully apply acquired skills to a wide range of realistic supervisory problems. Instructional areas include communication skills, the roles of a supervisor, legal issues, incident management, community relations, employee assistance, contemporary police issues, ethics, and police use of force incidents. The curriculum also provides for updating trainees’ knowledge of criminal and procedure law and stresses the concept of vicarious liability. During the course, the trainee will be exposed to a wide variety of management styles, thereby allowing the individual to be flexible and utilize the style most appropriate to each situation. Finally, the curriculum prepares the trainee to successfully meet the present challenges of police supervision and to realistically anticipate and plan for any situation. Daily attendance and successful completion of academic and performance testing is required in order to receive certification. All new first-line supervisors of any rank must complete this course within one year of appointment.

Prerequisites: Full or part-time active-duty NYS certified police, peace, or campus public safety officer; Completion of FEMA IS-200c.

Note: Becoming a first-line supervisor of law enforcement officers, as defined in section 209-q (2) (b) of the General Municipal Law, requires successful completion of this course as approved by the Commissioner of the Division of Criminal Justice Services. This course provides 105 hours of training pursuant to Section 6021 of Title 9, Subtitle U of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York. Pursuant to NYCRR PART 6021.6(h): Only sworn police officers enrolled in this course are eligible for issuance of a DCJS certificate of completion. Sworn peace officers may attend this course but will not receive DCJS certification.

Crisis Intervention Training

2 credits
This 40-hour course provides attendees with the tools and knowledge to assist individuals experiencing an emotional or mental health crisis. Students will learn to recognize the symptoms of emotional/mental health emergencies, tools to de-escalate volatile situations, and the resources available to refer community members for further assistance. Instructional areas include mental health diagnoses, treatments, and local resources, engaging specific populations (e.g., children, veterans, developmentally disabled), and de-escalation techniques.

Prerequisites: Full or part-time active duty NYS certified police, peace, or campus public safety officer; Three (3) years patrol-related experience; Candidates holding NYS security guard certification and employment with a campus safety or not-for-profit entity will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Defensive Tactics Instructor

4 credits
This is a MPTC approved and DCJS certified 70-hour course that prepares and certifies attendees to instruct topics and techniques related to law enforcement defensive tactics training. Instructional areas include adult learners and methods of coaching, use of force, communication and decision making, equipment and safely conducting training, designing and conducting drills, principles of defensive control, defensive control tactics, and post-apprehension responsibility awareness measures. Participants are required to physically participate in all daily exercises and instruction, and are required to complete a proficiency test, written test, and presentation evaluation in order to receive certification.

Prerequisites: Full or part-time active duty NYS certified police, peace, or campus public safety officer with a minimum of two (2) years of experience; Completion of a DCJS approved Instructor Development Course; Sufficient physical condition to withstand rigorous daily training activities.

DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) Instructor

2 credits
This is a MPTC approved and DCJS certified 28-hour course of instruction that provides police officers with the tools necessary to successfully instruct the DWI Detection and SFST Course. Instructional areas include a review of the SFST curriculum, guidelines for planning and managing live alcohol workshops, and a review of effective techniques for presentation.

Prerequisites: Full or part-time active duty NYS certified police officer; Completion of a DCJS approved Instructor Development Course; Completion of the DWI Detection and SFST Course.

Emergency Vehicle Operator Course Instructor

3.5 credits
This is a MPTC approved and DCJS certified course which adheres to the principles found in the Law Enforcement Driver Training Reference Guide 2000 produced by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Instructional topics include legal issues, non-emergency driving, emergency response driving, pursuit driving, and driving track administration. Participants must successfully complete a proficiency test, written test and presentation evaluation in order to receive certification as an Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) Instructor from the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services.

Prerequisites: Full or part-time active duty NYS certified police, peace, or campus public safety officer; Valid NYS driver license; Completion of a DCJS approved Instructor Development Course; Minimum of three years (3) full or part-time equivalent experience operating police or campus public safety patrol vehicles.

Field Training and Evaluation Officer (FTO)

2 credits
This is a MPTC approved and DCJS certified 35-hour course designed to provide veteran police or peace officers with the knowledge and skills necessary to train and evaluate recruit officers during the supervised field training and review portion of the Basic Course for Police Officers. Instructional areas include key elements of a successful training officer program, field training program management, competency expectations, evaluations and documentation, principles of adult learning, teaching skills and presentation, role of the field training officer, override and intervention techniques, remediation methodologies and strategies, legal and liability issues for the field training officer.

Prerequisites: Full or part-time active duty NYS certified police, peace, or campus public safety officer. 

Instructor Development

4.5 credits
This is a MPTC approved and DCJS certified 70-hour course designed to provide participants with the ability to research, prepare, and communicate knowledge in the field of law enforcement. Instructional areas that focus on the role of the instructor, defining training needs, oral communication, preparing instructional objectives, principle of learning, instructional techniques, instructor-trainee interaction, lesson planning, evaluation of training and the appropriate use of audio-visual aids. This is an intensive course. Participants must prepare a written training curriculum which includes course objectives, course outline, and a detailed lesson plan demonstrate the correct use of at least three (3) audio-visual aids, and successfully prepare and present a 50-minute oral presentation of a training topic before other class participants, utilizing the techniques emphasized in this course. Each participant will be evaluated and rated according to criteria outlined on the DCJS Instructor Evaluation Checklist. Successful completion of all aspects of this course leads to DCJS certification as a general topic instructor.

Prerequisites: Full or part-time active duty NYS certified police, peace, or campus public safety officer. Civilian employees of a law enforcement agency may be granted approval to attend with written departmental authorization.

Instructor Evaluator Workshop

Non-credit
This is a MPTC approved and DCJS certified 4-hour workshop designed to provide experienced instructors with the skills necessary to conduct impartial evaluations of instructor candidates as mandated by the Municipal Police Training Council. These evaluations will aid in ensuring the quality of law enforcement instruction throughout the New York State remains high. Instructional areas include the criteria denoting an instructor pursuant to NYS Codes, Rules and Regulations (NYCRR), DCJS forms and requirements, the evaluation process, post-evaluation, and ethics and legal issues. Completion of this workshop is a prerequisite for police or peace officers in pursuit of master instructor certification.

Prerequisites: Full or part-time active duty NYS certified police, peace, or campus public safety officer; Completion of a DCJS approved Instructor Development Course.

Interview & Interrogation

2 credits
This 35-hour course is designed to assist public safety personnel develop skills to successfully conduct interviews and interrogations. This course is designed to provide investigators and uniformed officers with proven techniques that can be applied in various accusatory and non-accusatory interview situations. Instructional areas will cover neurolinguistics, development of rapport, truth versus deception, developing a game plan, multiple suspect interviews, and the elements needed in a statement. Participants will learn and develop skills through a series of lectures and classroom exercises. The class includes up-to-date information on NYS legal aspects of interrogation and admissibility of the confession into court.

Prerequisite: Full or part-time active duty NYS certified police, peace, or campus public safety officer.

Law Enforcement Bicycle Patrol

2 credits
This is a MPTC approved and DCJS certified 41-hour course that trains law enforcement personnel in the skills required to conduct patrol and enforcement activities utilizing the modern-day mountain bicycle. Consisting of classroom lecture and riding activity sessions, course participants will practice performance skills in urban, residential and rural environments. Instructional areas include history of bicycle patrol, bicycle nomenclature and basics of cycling, bicycle fit, gearing and cadence, maintenance, hazard recognition and crash analysis, learning to fall, advanced police cycling skills, health and fitness, bicycle injuries and first aid, legal issues and traffic laws, group riding tactics, suspect contacts, night riding techniques, and firearms use. Law enforcement bicycle patrol requires a higher level of physical exertion than regular patrol duties. The employing agency is responsible for ensuring that officers attending this course are physically fit for the training regimen. It is recommended that agencies review the physical condition of officers selected to attend, and consider medical conditions which may preclude them from safely engaging in this activity.

Prerequisite: Full or part-time active duty NYS certified police, peace, or campus public safety officer.

Patrol Rifle

2 credits
This is a MPTC approved and DCJS certified course designed for officers whose duties require the use of an AR-style patrol rifle. This is not a familiarization course. Participants must be able to withstand difficult shooting and movement scenarios associated with the environment that police officers may face. Instructional areas include AR rifle nomenclature, zero procedures, distance shooting, CQB shooting, techniques and tactics associated with the AR-style rifle, shooting on the move, and low-light shooting.

Prerequisites: Full or part-time active duty NYS certified police, peace, or campus public safety officer; OR, Successful completion of the academic portion of the Basic Course for Police Officer or Basic Course for Peace Officers with Firearms.

Patrol Rifle Instructor

1.5 credits
This 21-hour course is designed to train and prepare current DCJS certified firearms instructors to deliver patrol rifle instructional curriculum. This is not a familiarization course. Attendees are expected to possess basic knowledge of the patrol rifle used and be able to safely and accurately use the weapon. Students will design a tactical course of fire, develop a lesson plan and instruct fellow students through their designed course. Attendees must be physically capable of quickly and safety assuming the standing, kneeling, sitting, and prone positions. The ability to field strip and reassemble the rifle used is a must.

Prerequisites: Full or part-time active duty NYS certified police, peace, or campus public safety officer; Completion of a DCJS approved Instructor Development Course and a DCJS approved Patrol Rifle Course.

Physical Fitness Instructor

2 credits
This is a MPTC approved and DCJS certified 35-hour course that prepares attendees for instructing topics related to physical fitness training. Participants will learn the necessary life skills in physical fitness and wellness to instruct new officers and seasoned law enforcement personnel so they may live a longer and healthier life. Instructional areas include recruit-level fitness standards, screening devices, fitness training, nutrition, anatomy, exercise physiology, cardiovascular fitness training, coronary risk factors, flexibility training, exercise safety, exercise guidelines and program development, strength training, wellness, and motivation. The program includes classroom lecture, physical training, and practical exercises.

Prerequisites: Full or part-time active duty NYS certified police, peace, or campus public safety officer; Must meet current NYS physical fitness standards for police officer candidates; Completion of a DCJS approved Instructor Development Course.

Pistol Instructor

4 credits
This is a MPTC approved and DCJS certified 70-hour course designed to prepare attendees with the knowledge and skills necessary to instruct law enforcement recruits and experienced officers in how to operate and effectively utilize a pistol. This course emphasizes modern-day methods of instruction and tactics with a focus on adult learning methodology during skills-based training. The curriculum integrates evidence-based tactics designed to improve survivability of officers involved in a deadly-force encounter. Instructional areas include operational weapons safety, working in and around vehicles, incorporating NLTA into firearms training, data-driven training design, injured shooter, concepts and principle of movement, positional work, low-light techniques, teaching the fundamentals, and qualification standards.

Prerequisites: Full or part-time active duty NYS certified police, peace, or campus public safety officers; Three (3) years of experience in a police or peace officer position that requires carrying a firearm; Completion of a DCJS approved Instructor Development Course.

Note: Baseline Qualification Test: Students will be required to successfully complete a qualifying course of fire as described in Section 4M of the Initial Pistol Course of the NYS MPTC Basic Course for Police Officers.

Police Crime Scene and Evidence Specialist

4 credits
This is a MPTC approved and DCJS certified 70-hour course that trains law enforcement officers how to record and document crime scenes and how to properly collect evidence. The course is most appropriate for those officers who are the first to arrive at a crime scene and those responsible for complete crime scene analyses. Instructional areas include recognizing and establishing the physical boundaries of a crime scene and evidence contained within, protecting the crime scene from contamination and degradation, having a working knowledge of powder/chemical processing of evidence, knowing how to properly secure, mark, and package physical evidence, and basic operation of photographic equipment.

Prerequisites: Full or part-time active duty NYS certified police, peace, or campus public safety officer; Civilian employees of a law enforcement agency may be granted approval to attend with written departmental authorization; Completion of the MPTC Basic Investigative Photography Course.

Police Motorcycle Operator Course

4 credits
This 70-hour course focuses on providing officers who are already experienced motorcycle riders with the skills necessary to maneuver on the roadways and safely perform their duties. Instructional areas include maintenance; emergency braking; evasive maneuvers; curb and obstacle negotiation; traffic stops, and curve negotiation. The foundation for instruction of this course stems from Northwestern University Police Motorcycle Training courses. Local certification only.

Prerequisites: Full or part-time active duty NYS certified police officer; Valid NYS Class M driver license; Participants must supply their own fully functional motorcycle which must be in good operating condition.

Police Motorcycle refresher Course

1 credit
This 14-hour course focuses on refreshing the skills of experienced police motorcycle operators. Instructional areas include maintenance; emergency braking; evasive maneuvers; curb and obstacle negotiation; traffic stops, and curve negotiation. The foundation for instruction of this course stems from Northwestern University Police Motorcycle Training courses. Local certification only.

Prerequisites: Full or part-time active-duty NYS certified police officer; Valid NYS Class M driver license; Police Motorcycle Operator certification; Participants must supply their own fully functional motorcycle which must be in good operating condition.

RADAR LIDAR Instructor

.5 credit
This is a MPTC approved and DCJS certified 7-hour course designed to train attendees in how to properly instruct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Speed-Measuring Device Operator Curriculum which includes classroom presentation and field exercises. The program articulates standards and techniques for the development of police radar lidar operators and instructors in New York State.

Prerequisites: Full or part-time active-duty NYS certified police officer; Completion of a DCJS approved Instructor Development Course; Valid Radar Lidar Operator certification.

RADAR LIDAR Operator

2 credits
This is a MPTC approved and DCJS certified 28-hour course that trains participants in the proper calibration and use of radar and lidar speed measurement instruments and developing skills to estimate vehicle speeds. Instructional areas include speed offenses and enforcement, basic principles of radar and lidar speed enforcement, legal and operational considerations, calibration and set-up of radar and lidar, field projects and speed estimate practice, speed estimate proficiency and testing, and court preparation and presentation. Participant must pass a written final exam and a practical skills test based on performance of skills learned.

Prerequisite: Full or part-time active-duty NYS certified police officer.

Reality Based Training Instructor

2 credits
This is a MPTC approved and DCJS certified 35-hour course that provides participants with an advanced level of knowledge and experience in the realm of reality-based training program design and implementation, as well as a solid understanding of the safety requirements for use of the discussed simulation equipment. Instructional areas include physiological effects of stress, coaching the adult learner, scenario design and planning, use of force review, equipment and safety considerations, and practical exercises.

Prerequisites: Full or part-time active-duty NYS certified police, peace, or campus public safety officer; Completion of a DCJS approved Instructor Development Course; DCJS certification as either a firearms or defensive tactics instructor.

Sniper Observer

4 credits
This is a MPTC approved and DCJS certified 65-hour course that prepares attendees to fill the important SWAT team role of the sniper observer by providing intelligence to commanders through observation of the scene, suspects, and victims. Additionally, participants will learn the principles of delivering discriminatory, highly accurate rifle fire against suspects engaged in violent criminal conduct, who cannot be engaged successfully by the patrol officer because of range, size, location, fleeting nature, or visibility. Instructional areas include but are not limited to an overview of sniper operations; effects of shooting through intermediate barriers, scopes / minute of angle; data management, marksmanship, observation skills, camouflage & concealment; field craft / stalking, urban sniper operations, range estimation; and engagement of moving targets; keep in memory systems (KIMS).

Prerequisites: Full or part-time active-duty NYS certified police officer or peace officer with firearms; Completion of the Sniper Observer Course Prerequisite Testing.

Swat Operator

8 credits
This is a MPTC approved and DCJS certified 140-hour course. As initial training for new SWAT team members, the SWAT Operator Course provides law enforcement agencies with a standardized curriculum that will enhance public safety and enable agencies across the state to be confident in the capabilities of their tactical team members. Instructional areas include an introduction to SWAT, priority of life, command structure/team building, physical fitness and functional PT, individual tactical equipment/setup, night vision equipment, standard terms and hand signals, legal issues, cold and hot weather operations, tactical medical, defensive tactics, ballistic shields, firearms, less-lethal munitions, noise flash distraction devices, chemical agents, land navigation, tactical movement, intelligence gathering, operational planning, perimeter operations, breaching, covert structure entry, barricaded suspects, high-risk warrant service, active shooter, officer rescue, hostage rescue, tubular and vehicle assaults, after-action debriefs, and practical exercises.

Prerequisites: Full or part-time active duty NYS certified police officer, FEMA ICS-200 and ICS-700 (certificates of completion must be provided in advance); Completion of the DCJS required applicant prerequisite testing which includes medical evaluation, air purifying respirator (APR) fit test, handgun proficiency, and physical fitness test.

Note: Pursuant to NYS Public Health Law §2165, anyone who attends this course must demonstrate proof of immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella. Immunization records must be signed or stamped by a health care provider.

Tactical Warrant Service and Building Approach and Searches

2 credits
This 35-hour course is designed for officers tasked with approaching high-risk situations such as serving warrants and conducting building searches to provide them with the necessary skills to develop and command the edge in both shooting and non-shooting situations. This course is facilitated with intensive, hands-on training that will enhance the investigating officer's ability to execute warrants and tactical approaches safely and effectively. Individuals should attend this course with the capability and motivation to participate in a stressful environment, both physically and mentally. Instructional areas include planning, briefing and critiques, active countermeasures, effective entry techniques, room clearing techniques, hallways and stairway clearing, weapons control and retention, basic and advance shooting skills, live-fire room clearing, multi-weapon team stress courses.

Prerequisites: Full or part-time active-duty NYS certified police officer; Minimum two (2) years patrol related experience.