Training

Classroom Training

A new recruit in the West Saint Paul Police Reserve Program is required to attend a minimum of 30 hours of classroom training. The class meets once a week, for 3 hours at a time over 8 weeks. The class covers all topics that a Reserve Officer needs to know. Topics include:

In addition to the classroom training, the recruits will spend 6 hours putting their classroom knowledge to use and acquainting themselves with traffic control training and different neighboring Law Enforcement facilities in and around Dakota County as well as the county jail.

Field Training Phase

Upon successful completion of classroom training, recruits will enter into the Field Training Phase. During field training the new recruit works alongside an experienced senior Reserve Officer. The senior Reserve Officer is called a Field Training Officer (FTO). During this portion of the training, the recruit and FTO go about the everyday patrol life of a Reserve Officer for the City of West Saint Paul. This gives the individual a chance to use what he or she learned in the classroom and put it to use first-hand on the streets.

After the Field Training Phase is complete, the new Reserve Officer will be allowed to partner with any seasoned Reserve Officer to conduct patrols and staff events. New Reserve Officers are on probation for approximately a year. After completion of probation, they are allowed to conduct Reserve duties on their own.

Annual Training

The West Saint Paul Police Department provides annual Use of Force training for its Reserve Officers. The department conducts an 8 hour classroom and hand-on (physical) training course. During this training Reserve Officers learns and becomes proficient in the use of:

• ASP batons
• Chemical Munitions
• Electronic Control Devices (Tasers)
• Hand on techniques
• Handcuffing
• Verbal commands
• Weapon retention

After completion of this course, the Reserve Officer will be allowed to carry these tools while on duty.

The department also requires all Reserve Officers to be certified annually in Adult, Child, and Infant CPR; basic First Aid; and in the proper use of Automated Electric Defibrillators.

Ongoing Training

The Reserve Unit continuously provides it's new and seasoned Reserve Officers with training. During monthly meeting the Reserve Officers learn new Law Enforcement techniques, and practice both new and old techniques in safe mock situations. During these meetings, changes to the Police Department are explained in detail to the Reserve Officers.

The West Saint Paul Police Department also offers the opportunity for Reserve Officers to attend continued educational courses at a local state approved Law Enforcement training college. A sample of offered courses are:

• Computer forensics
• Forensics photography
• Spanish for police officers
• Many others

Additional training as required by the Department of Homeland Security, covering topics such as:

• Domestic terrorism
• Hazardous materials
• The National Incident Management System