Vermont Police Academy

• Coordinator: Leslie Bodette
• Length of course: 4 hours
• Course hours: see below
• Dates/Times:                                                                                             
  • April 6th 2017, 1200-1630                                                                                         
• Fingerprint Certification is offered in the morning on the same dates and must be registered for separately.
• Location: Vermont Police Academy
• Tuition: None, if initial certification. Repeat/audit - $19.50
• Registration: Fax the in-service registration form (Word or PDF) to 802-483-2343 or email it to our registrar at gail.williams@vermont.gov

It has been said that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is the motor vehicle’s equivalent to the human’s DNA.  The VIN’s 17 characters provide vehicle specifications such as where it was manufactured, in what year, the make, model, and body type.  American motor vehicle manufacturers have been using VINs on their cars since 1954, but it was not required on all vehicles by NHTSA until the manufacturing of the 1981 model year.

Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (VT DMV) Inspectors instruct the VIN Verification Course.  Participants who successfully complete this course will be certified by the VT DMV to verify VINs as required by the Agency of Transportation on certain documents.

The skills and knowledge developed in this class will also enhance an officer’s ability to detect stolen vehicles, cloned vehicles and vehicles with altered VINs.

Successful completion of a written examination at the conclusion of the course is required for certification.

Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (A.R.I.D.E.)

• Coordinator: Leslie Bodette
• Length of course: 16 hours
• Course hours: 0800 - 1600
• Dates and Locations:                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
  • February 8 & 9 (Location TBD)
  • April 5 & 6 at Lyndon State College, Harvey Academic Center, Room #111, St. Johnsbury
  • June 13 & 14 at the Vermont Fire Academy (on the same property as the Vermont Police Academy)
  • August 22 & 23 at VSP – Westminster barracks  
  • Oct 3 & 4 at Colchester PD
  • Dec 6 & 7 at the Vermont Police Academy
• Tuition: 
  • Free for all Vermont Officers
  • Tuition for Out of State Officers:
    • $13.00 regionally (lunch is on your own)                                                                                            
    • $48.50 commuting to the VPA (lunch included)                                                                                  
    • $67.00 overnight @ VPA (breakfast, 2 lunches, and dinner included)

• Registration: Fax the in-service registration form (Word or PDF) to 802-483-2343 or email it to our registrar at gail.williams@vermont.gov

Course Description

This course is designed to assist officers in becoming more proficient  detecting and  apprehending,  impaired drivers. Upon completion of this training,  officers will be  capable of detecting impairment caused by substances other than alcohol.  All candidates must currently be actively involved in impaired driving enforcement.

Officers MUST be highly skilled in the administration and interpretation of  SFSTs.  Your proficiency will be tested by certified SFST Instructors.  SFSTs are strongly emphasized and you can expect to increase your skill level in using these tests after taking this course. 

This training is an essential tool for officers dedicated to saving lives by removing impaired drivers from our roads. In addition, knowledge and skills obtained during  A.R.I.D.E.  will facilitate better communication and transfer of critical roadside indicators of impairment to the Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) who may be called for a more complete and accurate assessment of impairment. For those considering the pursuit of DRE training, A.R.I.D.E. will serve as a career path step towards achieving that goal

• Coordinator:  Jason Williams
• Length of Course: 8 hours (1 day)
• Course hours:  0800 - 1700
• Date: Two separate classes are being scheduled back to back.  17 April, 2017 and 18 April, 2017.  This is a one day course.
• Location:  Vermont Police Academy Firearms Range
• Tuition: 
  • SIG Sauer tuition, payable directly to SIG is $255
  • Academy fees (includes lunch) is $19.50 which will be billed separately by the  Academy
• Registration:  SIG Sauer is handling all registrations for this course.  Please contact them at 603-610-3400 to register.

Course description:

This one day pistol course offered by SIG Sauer is designed to enhance the pistol handling skills for law enforcement officers.  SIG Sauer has provided excellent training for law enforcement officers around the State of Vermont since they began coming here a couple of years ago.  The extremely high level of quality training they provide is why we keep inviting them back here year after year.  We are striving at the academy to bring a wider and more well-rounded variety of firearms training options for law enforcement in the area.  This class is promised to carry on that same quality of training we have come to expect from SIG. 

SIG’s website describes the content of this class as follows:

 Designed to help law enforcement officers improve their pistol handling skills and qualification scores, this all range time, no frills course offers intensive hands-on training and pistol drills to maximize accuracy, speed, and performance.

The course requirements, directly from SIG Sauer’s website:

Prerequisite 

Law enforcement, military, and credentialed armed professionals only. Call for clarification.

Course Outline 

• Foundational skill review
• Static shooting drills
• Positional shooting
• Barricade/use of cover
• Reloads and malfunction drills
• Dynamic shooting drills
• Transitions

Required Equipment 

• Duty pistol in one of the following calibers: 9MM, .357SIG, .40S&W, or .45ACP
• 3 magazines minimum
• Belt mounted, dominant side concealment holster or duty rig
• Magazine pouches
• Sturdy belt at least 1.5” wide
• Concealment jacket or vest (optional)
• Footwear suitable for rapid movement and turning
• Casual, comfortable civilian clothing suitable for training in any weather (unless training in duty uniform)
• Hydration system
• Sunscreen and bug spray
• Hat with a brim
• Wraparound eyewear, polycarbonate lenses or non-shattering prescription glasses
• Earmuffs and earplugs

Ammo 

• Estimated round count: 500 rounds pistol

Please sign up early as this class will fill up fast.  Students must bring their own ammunition.  Ammunition is no longer available for purchase at the academy.

NRA Pistol/Shotgun Instructor Course

• Coordinator:  Jason Williams
• Length of Course: 5 days (approximately 44 hours)
• Course hours:  0800 - 1700
• Date/Location:  17 – 21 July, 2017 / Vermont Police Academy range and classroom 3
• Tuition:  $645 payable directly to the NRA, plus an additional $37.50 payable to the Vermont Police Academy on the morning of the first day of the class for facility use and range fees for all students attending.                 
  • Meals and overnight lodging are also available at the academy for an additional cost of $215 for the week billed to you or your agency. 
  • Commuting students may elect to purchase lunch at the academy for $11.00 per meal payable in the dining facility each day.
• Registration:  Visit the NRA website at http://le.nra.org/training/instructor-development-schools.aspx#schedule to register.  The Vermont Police Academy IS NOT accepting the registrations for this course.

The Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council and the National Rifle Association are teaming up to bring the New England area law enforcement community a combination pistol and shotgun instructor course to the academy on the 17th through the 21st of July, 2017.  The NRA has enjoyed a long history of providing high quality training to law enforcement officers across the country, and this course promises to deliver the same high level of training.  Please read the eligibility requirements carefully as set forth by the NRA by following the link in the registration section of this announcement.  This course is open to all “sworn” law enforcement officers and is not limited to firearms instructors; however current instructors are strongly encouraged to attend to enhance their skills.  This is also an excellent course for those who are interested in attending a VCJTC firearms instructor course in the future.  A link to the NRA’s webpage describing the class can be found here: http://le.nra.org/training/instructor-development-schools.aspx#schedule

Vermont officers:

This course does not meet the requirements set forth by the Council for VCJTC firearms instructor certification, and if attended, a potential instructor must still attend the VCJTC course for certification as a Firearms Instructor. 

The NRA’s course description is below, copied from their website:

Handgun/Shotgun Instructor
This school compresses the handgun instructor school to 3 days and adds 2 days of shotgun instructor training. Student classroom presentations, concealed-carry training, and unconventional shooting positions are replaced with shotgun marksmanship and handling classroom presentations and range work. Shotgun drills include firing from cover, use of kneeling and prone positions, moving targets, malfunction clearing, firing on the move, and transitioning to the handgun. In addition to the above mentioned required equipment, the following are ALSO necessary for this school:

• Duty-type, law enforcement 12 gauge pump or semi-auto police shotgun equipped with a sling.
• 900 rounds of duty or training handgun ammunition.
• 50 rounds of duty or training 12 gauge slugs.
• 20 rounds of duty or training 12 gauge 00 buckshot.
• 100 rounds of birdshot (#6, #7½, #8 or #9).

A backup handgun is NOT required for this school.

The shotgun and buckshot must be capable of shooting a group no larger than 18 inches at 15 yards in order to pass the course.

Rifled shotgun barrels are inappropriate for this school and are not allowed.

Please direct all questions regarding prerequisites and course requirements to the NRA Law Enforcement training division at LE@nrahq.org .  All questions regarding the facility, meals and lodging can be directed to Jason.Williams@vermont.gov

Crash Investigation for Level-II Officers

• Coordinator: Cindy Taylor-Patch
• Length of course: 16 hours
• Course hours: 0800 - 1630
• Date: December 12 & 13, 2016
• Location: Vermont Police Academy
• Tuition: $25.00, includes materials and lunch.
• Registration: Fax the in-service registration form (Word or PDF) to 802-483-2343 or email it to our registrar at gail.williams@vermont.gov

This fundamental training course will provide the new Level ll officer with a familiarization of accident/crash reporting requirements and form completion. A mock scene will be utilized to demonstrate the measurement and diagramming techniques. Additional scene management will emphasize traffic control, preservation of evidence and witness identification.

Blue Courage® Executive Overview

• Date and Time: August 29, 2016, 9am-4pm.
• Location: Vermont Police Academy.
• Registration: Email Gail Williams at the Vermont Police Accademy  or Fax the in-service registration form (Word or PDF) to 802-483-2343.

“In partnership with the Vermont Association of Chiefs of Police, the Vermont Sheriffs’ Association, the Vermont Police Association, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Vermont Constables’ Association, and the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training, the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council has engaged in the process of becoming a Blue Courage immersion state.  To launch this project, the Vermont Police Academy is hosting an Executive Overview and a Master Trainer class.  Attendance is limited to 30 per class; those wanting to attend can register through Gail Williams at the Vermont Police Accademy.

For more information on Blue Courage, please follow this link:   http://bluecourage.com/ “

What is Blue Courage?
Blue Courage is a way of being, A philosophy that inspires one to Embody the noblest of character And unquestioned devotion.
It is to flourish in all aspects of life, To act with practical wisdom, To exude vitality, and To hearten human connections.

Why Blue Courage’s Executive Overview?

Blue Courage is a transformational leadership development workshop designed for all levels of the organization. This executive overview of the Blue Courage educational process is a holistic approach to developing our people. It will touch hearts, awaken minds and ignite spirits through a dynamic presentation of a revolutionary processes. If your interest is self-improvement, increased engagement, stress-management, developing resilience, igniting culture change, combating cynicism, while improving overall health and well-being, then Blue Courage is waiting for you to answer the call!

Download the Flyer

Blue Courage® Academy

• Date and Time: September 26-30, 2016, 8am-5pm. - Will be rescheduled, date to be announced
• Location: Vermont Police Academy.
• Registration: Email Gail Williams at the Vermont Police Accademy or Fax the in-service registration form (Word or PDF) to 802-483-2343.

“In partnership with the Vermont Association of Chiefs of Police, the Vermont Sheriffs’ Association, the Vermont Police Association, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Vermont Constables’ Association, and the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training, the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council has engaged in the process of becoming a Blue Courage immersion state.  To launch this project, the Vermont Police Academy is hosting an Executive Overview and a Master Trainer class.  Attendance is limited to 30 per class; those wanting to attend can register through Gail Williams at the Vermont Police Accademy.

For more information on Blue Courage, please follow this link:   http://bluecourage.com/ "

Who should attend?

• Certified Law Enforcement Trainers highly recommended
• Individuals who have an interest and intention of teaching Blue Courage within their agency
• Those who have a passion and love for the policing profession and have a willingness to engage in personal growth and development

Topics to Be Covered:

• Foundations of Courage
• Police Culture
• Nobility of Policing
• Respect
• Resilience / Hope
• Positive Psychology
• Practical Wisdom
• Health & Wellness
• The Immortal Cop

Download the Flyer

• Coordinator:  Jason Williams
• Length of Course: 5 days (40 hours)
• Course hours:  0800-1630
• Date/Location:  17-21 October, 2016/ VPA
• Tuition:  Commuting $84.50/Overnight $238.50
• Registration: Fax the in-service registration form (Word or PDF) to 802-483-2343 or email it to our registrar at gail.williams@vermont.gov

This five-day in-service class will certify students as instructors in the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council (VTCJTC) / Monadnock - Safariland Defensive Tactics System (MDTS), the Monadnock - Safariland Expandable Baton (MEB) or Monadnock / Safariland PR-24 Side-Handle Baton, and the Oleoresin Capsicum aerosol projector.  

For the baton portion of this training, officers may choose one or the other baton for instructor certification.  If already certified as a baton instructor, officers will be re-certified during the training.   If an officer is already certified as either an MEB or PR-24 instructor, they will have the opportunity to re-certify in that discipline and become certified as an instructor in the other if they choose to do so. 

The VCJTC / Monadnock – Safariland MDTS program is a system of self-defense control and restraint techniques and tactics, which teaches officers to safely control and handcuff suspects in a wide-range of arrest situations.   Officers will receive instruction on the legalities of police use-of-force, as well as instruction on how to effectively teach and certify others at the basic user-level.   

This comprehensive course consists of both classroom and gym instruction.   Students should be prepared for a rigorous and physically demanding week of training and should be free of any conditions that would prohibit them from effectively participating and completing the training.  Attire must include a full duty belt, inert training OC, baton and gym shoes.     

• Coordinator: Sara Couture
• Length of course: 4 hours
• Course hours: 1230-1630 hours
• Date:  June 14, 2016
• Cost:  $18.50 Commuting, $57.50 Overnight
• Registration: Fax the in-service registration form (Word or PDF) to 802-483-2343 or email it to our registrar at gail.williams@vermont.gov

Animal cruelty is a serious crime with close ties to human violence, and Vermont has the largest per capita rate of pet ownership in the country. It is more likely than not that law enforcement officers will handle criminal cases involving animal mistreatment. While all Vermont law enforcement officers have the authority to act as humane agents, police agencies may not always have the personpower or resources to respond as effectively or quickly as they would like to complaints of animal cruelty.

This presentation will:

• Explore the connection between animal cruelty and human violence;
• Familiarize law enforcement officers with Vermont’s criminal code related to crimes against animals;
• Provide an overview of animal cruelty investigation techniques, and
• Provide participants with local, state and national resources that are available to assist them with investigations.

This POST Basic course has been approved for 4 hours of in-service credit by the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council. Standard in-service training application required.

INSTRUCTOR: Joanne Bourbeau, Northeastern Regional Director, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). Joanne has been with the HSUS, the nation’s largest animal protection organization, since 1995. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from the University of New Hampshire, and a certificate in non-profit business management from Johns Hopkins University. She is a graduate of the National Cruelty Investigations School offered by the University of Missouri’s Law Enforcement Training Institute School of Law, and heads the Vermont Humane Federation’s state-wide Animal Cruelty Response Coalition (ACRC). As chair of the VACRC, Joanne regularly instructs and counsels local & state law enforcement agencies, municipal officials and shelter personnel on the investigation of animal cruelty cases in Vermont. She is a regular instructor of Animal Cruelty Investigations at the Vermont Police Academy, and currently serves on the FBI’s. Implementation Committee for Animal Control Officer/National Incidence Based Reporting System Reporting.