Training

This past year was a very challenging year for the Training staff. The department experienced a staffing shortage due to military activations during the year. The Sioux Falls Police Department maintains as one of its core beliefs that all of the department staff should receive the highest quality training possible. We also have set a standard that each officer should receive a minimum of 40 hours of training per year.

Due to these shortages, the training program for department personnel was modified so that the department could maintain adequate staffing levels and that members of the department could still maintain their required training hours. Some training was completed at the shift level. The training program was broken down into smaller blocks of time so that the training could be completed during regular shift hours. This was done so that if the call volume dictated the need for officers, they could transition from training back to normal duties quickly. This type of training meant that many staff members had to change their hours so that the training could be delivered in this manner.

Some of the training topics that were covered this past year related to defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operations, firearms training, and then some scenario-based exercises were added. This reality-based training gives officers a chance to correct mistakes in an environment that is safe and controlled. In total, members of this department received more than 12,000 hours of training during 2008. On average, this is nearly 50 hours per staff member.

During 2008, the department hired two groups of new officers. In March, ten officers were hired. These officers were hired to replace officers who had retired or separated from the City. In December, an additional six officers were hired. These officers were for an additional staffing increase for 2009 that was authorized by the City Council.

The department was also fortunate enough to host  several classes this past year. These classes were hosted at minimal cost to the department. By providing a place to conduct the classes, the department was granted seats in the class for no charge. Some of the classes were also hosted through grants for Law Enforcement Training in Pierre. These classes were opened up to the State of South Dakota so that other law enforcement officers from around the state could obtain the valuable training as well.