Training Classifications:
There are currently three (3) training levels available for Posse Members:
1. Basic Posse Training
2. Advanced Posse Training (APT)
3. Qualified Armed Posse (QAP)
Please note that all training is provided free-of-charge by the Sheriff’s Office. However you are required to purchase all required equipment necessary to complete the training.
Basic Posse Training
The Basic Training Program for the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Posse program consists of the following courses:
LAW & LEGAL 16 HOURS
CPR/FIRST AID 8 HOURS
TRAFFIC CONTROL 8 HOURS
TOTAL TRAINING 32 HOURS
Personnel who successfully complete this block of training will be classified as a Basic Posse Member.
Summary of Course Descriptions:
Law & Legal: This course covers various topics as they relate to the new Posse member and their role within the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. Topics include MCSO policy and procedures, mission and authority, liability and use of force issues, uniforms, radio and patrol procedures, and officer safety. A written exam will be administered.
CPR/First Aid: This course is designed to certify the new Posse member in the use of standardized American Heart Association CPR and First Aid techniques as well as the use of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). OSHA standards and guidelines will also be presented. A written and proficiency exam will be administered.
Traffic Control: This course will cover techniques and equipment used by uniformed Sheriff’s Office Posse Personnel for the purpose of traffic direction control. A written and proficiency exam will be administered.
Advanced Posse Training
The Advanced Training Program (ATP) for the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Posse program consists of the following courses:
BASIC POSSE TRAINING 32 HOURS
DEFENSIVE TACTICS 4 HOURS
MECHANICAL RESTRAINTS 8 HOURS
CHEMICAL AGENTS 4 HOURS
TASER 8 HOURS
TOTAL TRAINING 56 HOURS
Personnel who successfully complete this block of training will be classified as an Advanced Posse Member.
Summary of Course Descriptions:
Defensive Tactics: Students enrolled in this course will learn strikes, control holds, and takedowns that are authorized for uniformed Posse personnel. Use of force, liability issues, and other related topics will be discussed. This course may be taken as a stand alone course by Basic Posse members. (This course is required for those planning on attending a QAP academy.)
Mechanical Restraints: Successful completion of this course will certify the Basic Posse member in the use of handcuffs currently authorized by the Office. Topics will include Policy and liability issues, maintenance, nomenclature, application and removal techniques. It is recommended that Defensive Tactics be completed prior to this course. (This course is required for those planning on attending a QAP academy.)
Chemical Agents: This course will cover the use, effects, and decontamination for the defensive spray currently authorized by the Sheriff’s Office. Use of force, liability issues, as well as a history of chemical agents will be discussed. A written and practical exam will be administered. Basic Posse Members must successfully complete defensive tactics and mechanical restraints in order to attend this course.
Taser: This course will certify the student in the use of the Taser. Topics will include operation, maintenance and use of force issues. Posse Members wanting to enroll in this course must first complete Defensive Tactics, Mechanical Restraints, and Chemical Agents.
Qualified Armed Posse Training
This level of training is available to the Basic/Advanced Posse Member who applies and is accepted into the Qualified Armed Posse (QAP) Academy.
BASIC POSSE TRAINING 32 HOURS
DEFENSIVE TACTICS 8 HOURS
CHEMICAL AGENTS 4 HOURS
MECHANICAL RESTRAINTS 8 HOURS
BOOKING & SEARCH 4 HOURS
PRISONER TRANSPORT 4 HOURS
WEAPONS RETENTION 12 HOURS
FIREARMS ACADEMY 60 HOURS
JUDGEMENTAL USE OF FORCE 1 HOUR
TOTAL TRAINING HOURS 135 HOURS
Summary of Course Descriptions:
Defensive Tactics: This course will expand on skills learned in the optional course and introduce the QAP recruit to additional strikes, control holds, and takedowns. Ground defense, kicks, and pressure points will also be covered. A proficiency exam will be administered.
Chemical Agents: This course will cover the use, effects, and decontamination for the defensive spray currently authorized by the Sheriff’s Office. Use of force, liability issues, as well as a history of chemical agents will be discussed. A written and practical exam will be administered.
Mechanical Restraints: This course will expand on skills learned in the optional course and will introduce the QAP recruit to the tactical use of handcuffs during high-risk situations.
Booking & Search: This course will cover the use of the computerized booking system and the proper method for searching both male and female prisoners.
Weapons Retention: This course will cover various handgun retention and disarming techniques that are currently authorized for use by uniformed Posse members. Use of force, liability, and officer safety issues will also be discussed.
Firearms Academy: Topics covered in this course will include the manipulation, use, care, and maintenance of the recruit’s service handgun. Marksmanship with both the service handgun and Office owned shotgun will be discussed and practiced. Students will be introduced to night shooting techniques, reloads and malfunctions, and various shooting positions. The judicial use of deadly force, liability issues, mental conditioning and tactics will also be covered. Written and proficiency exam will be administered.
Judgmental Use of Force: The MILO system will test the student’s knowledge in the proper decision making and correct selection and utilization of force, as well as the ability to properly justify the selected course of action.
NOTE: It is highly recommended that any posse member wishing to apply for the QAP academy attend the Advanced Posse Training courses prior to applying for an academy.