Post Update

Former MSP Trainers Share Insights With POST Leadership

Yesterday afternoon a delegation of MAPLE members, all former state police trainers, met via zoom with POST Executive Director Enrique Zuniga and his staff, to discuss the fundamentals of sound police training.   Recent events at the East Falmouth Municipal Police Academy and other issues created an opportunity for MAPLE to share its expertise with the POST Commission.  Former MSP Trainers, Frank Ardita, Marty Driggs and Bob Murphy, along with President Galvin met the POST staff for about 90 minutes on zoom sharing their extensive experience in conducting both state police academy classes and municipal police classes as well.

Frank Ardita was able to provide an extensive history concerning the birth of the Municipal Police Training Council (MPTC). The Council is a partnering agency with POST for establishing state-wide certifications and regulations governing police training.  Bob Murphy offered his expertise in modifying and updating academic lesson plans and Marty Driggs provided insight into the role and purpose of police drill instructors and use of force training.

Several issues were highlighted and discussed at length.  These included:  (1) the need for instructor certification, particularly for those assigned to drill instructor duties (2)  the need for training programs to be explicitly planned and adhered to (3)  the necessity for constant oversight and accountability (4) the importance of standardizing basic skills and ensuring uniformity and consistency in instruction. The need to determine optimal class sizes and ending large academy classes particularly with regard to the state police.

Frank Ardita made a special point of focusing on background investigations stating that the material that you put into a program is directly related to the product that comes out.  He urged a 60 college credit educational standard and that persons who reflect any issues with the law, problems with alcohol or sexually inappropriate or assaultive behavior, be screened out of consideration for appointment as a police officer.   He added that effective background investigation is imperative for identifying these issues.

There was a discussion about the use and relevance of military drill.  A distinction was drawn between the academic and drill components of a police program.  Approaches need to be different.   Marty Driggs articulated the importance of drill offering that a credible drill instructor serves as a role model for recruits, and the order and discipline obtained through the drill process, teaches unit cohesion and responsiveness, which is essential when dealing with any contingency requiring full mobilization, such as crowd control or natural emergencies.

All participants stressed the importance and moral obligation of trainers to impart the knowledge, the practical skills and the confidence necessary to ensure that police recruits can adjust to the stresses in their roles as police officers, to ensure their success and to benefit the public.  Special thanks to member Frank Ardita for recommending this sit down.