LOS ALAMITOS : Training by TV to Be Provided for Police

Instead of going to a police academy or community college to get more training, police officers may now be trained simply by watching video.

Under a program of the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, or POST, a state agency responsible for continuing police training and education, officers may now be trained in such programs as ethics, health and nutrition, and hate crimes through satellite television transmissions.

All that is needed is a satellite dish and so-called interactive videodisc equipment, according to Police Cmdr. Gary Biggerstaff, acting Los Alamitos police chief.

“It’s an alternative that’s going to save taxpayers money,” Biggerstaff told the City Council last week. “It will save on officer time, travel and per diem expenses.”

The council unanimously approved the police proposal to join the program and allocated $8,500 to buy the equipment.

Biggerstaff said POST will initially provide at least two hours of training per month. POST will increase training as the program, which is available to all police departments in the state, is fully implemented.

He said the videodisc equipment, which allows a trainee to answer questions posed on the screen, consists of a computer screen, keyboard, speakers and videodisc player recorder.

The equipment will let officers take certified training programs, such as driver training, first aid and CPR, and identification of persons under the influence of drugs, without going to a police academy or a community college, Biggerstaff said.

“When the training system is implemented, the department will reduce its training expenses, because officers may be trained while on duty,” Biggerstaff said. “That will reduce overtime costs.”

Details of the video training program are not yet available, but Biggerstaff said the transmissions may begin in July.

“There will always be a need for live training,” Biggerstaff said. “But as technology advances, who knows what could be replaced in the future?”