This report recommends that Council direct Staff to proceed with sending officers to training courses that are approved by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.), but that are currently not budgeted. This training is 100% reimbursed by P.O.S.T. and is a no cost item to the City of Sunnyvale.

The Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training has five reimbursement plans. Each plan has various levels of reimbursement assigned. The courses proposed by staff in this report are 100% reimbursable and will enhance the level of expertise to officers at the Department of Public Safety. As a result, the level of service to the community will be improved.

In the past these courses were not attended if they were not outlined in the Police Services training plan generated at the beginning of each year. Since there is the likelihood that attendance at these courses could place the Department of Public Safety over budget, advance permission by Council is being requested.

The Department of Public Safety has an annual training budget of approximately $1,683,641. This budget includes in-service, specialized and technical training. Each year a training plan is drafted and proposed to the Police Services Management staff. Since the plan is proposed and presented prior to the start of the new fiscal year, staff frequently is not aware of all of the training opportunities that come available after the fiscal year has begun.

This year four courses were announced after the training plan was approved. Each of these four courses, Special Weapons and Tactics Tactical Entries Course (S.W.A.T.), Field Training Officer Course, Field Training Officer Update Course, and Drug Abuse Recognition (D.A.R.) Course are P.O.S.T. Plan I or II approved. P.O.S.T. Plan I involves reimbursement for subsistence, travel, tuition and any back-fill overtime salaries. P.O.S.T. Plan II allows for reimbursement for subsistence, travel and back-fill overtime salaries (note: tuition is the only expense not included in this plan).

Staff projects that a total of $11,946 in tuition, travel, lodging and meals will be reimbursed, and $45,600 in overtime back-fill salaries will be recovered. There will be no expense to the City of Sunnyvale once reimbursement is received.

Council Agenda

Staff recommends Alternative #1.