Training

Here is a list of training that as a posse member, you will go through. There are varying levels of training, and as a Posse Member we highly recommend that you take advantage of this excellent resource. In addition, each respective posse may require additional training such as mandatory attendance to the Search and Rescue Academy.

Pre-requisites

Many of the classes listed here may actually be considered a pre-requisite for actually doing anything in the posse. For example, a posseman cannot go on duty or use a computer before taking the Terminal Operator Certification, despite the fact that it it not listed in the official Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, or Qualified Armed training requirements.

The standard rule is: If you have not been trained in it, you should not do it. Without the proper training, taking any action can make yourself personally liable for those actions, and the Sheriffs Office may not back you on them.

Training Costs

Training is provided by the Sheriffs Office at no cost to you. You will, however, be required to purchase any materials or equipment that may be required for the course. (For example, while the firearms academy is taught to you for free, you must obviously have your own firearm, it will not be provided). At this point in time, the only materials the Sheriff's Office provides are: training manuals and documents and taser cartridges. Currently ammunition is not provided and you will need to have your own ammunition for training. Furthermore, as of this time, duty rounds are no longer issued either.

Training Order

Please note that all Jeep Posse members must complete the training in order.

Basic Posse Training

Course Hours Total Hours
Law and Legal 16 Hours 16 Hours
Traffic Control 8 Hours 24 Hours


Intermediate Posse Training

Course Hours Total Hours
Prisoner Transport 4 Hours 28 Hours
Radio Procedures 4 Hours 32 Hours
Booking and Search 4 Hours 36 Hours


Advanced Posse Training

Course Hours Total Hours
Defensive Tactics 12 Hours 48 Hours
Mechanical Restraints 16 Hours 64 Hours
Chemical Agents 4 Hours 68 Hours
Electronic Restraint Devices (Taser) - Optional 8 Hours -


Qualified Armed Posse Training

Course Hours Total Hours
Use of Force 4 Hours 72 Hours
Weapons Retention 8 Hours 80 Hours
Firearms 60 Hours 140 Hours
Judgemental Use of Force (MILO) 1 Hours 141 Hours


Mandatory / Recurring Training

Course Hours Taken
State Search and Rescue Academy (SAR) 16 Hours Once
National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) 4 Hours Once
First Aid / CPR 8 Hours Every 2 Years
Terminal Operator Certification (TOC) 2 Hours Every 2 Years
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 1 Hours Yearly
Taser Recertification 8 Hours Yearly
Judgemental Use of Force (MILO) - QAP Only 1 Hours Yearly
Firearms Requalification (MOD) - QAP Only 4 Hours Yearly


Supplemental, Optional Training*

Course Hours
Defensive Driving 4 Hours
General Instructor School 40 Hours
Gang Identification 3 Hours
Inmate Classifications 3 Hours
Shotgun Skills (QAP Only) 8 Hours
Rifle Skills (QAP Only) 8 Hours
Crime Scene Management (Advanced or Higher) 4 Hours
Building Clearing (QAP Only) 4 Hours
Patrol Assistance (QAP Only) 4 Hours
Baton (QAP Only) 4 Hours
Enforcement Support Introduction 4 Hours
Report Writing 4 Hours

*These courses are extra-curricular, and are may not be offered on a regular basis.


Course Descriptions



LAW AND 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.

Law and Legal is the only mandated training for the Basic Posse level. Once completed, CPR and Traffic Control will offered to those that want to take them. CPR and Traffic classes are however required to be taken should a Posse Member want to further their education in Advanced and QAP training sessions.

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. Please ensure that the posse members is in possession of a police style whistle prior to attending this class.

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.

PRISONER TRANSPORT: This course will cover the procedures for transporting prisoners/inmates to various locations.

RADIO PROCEDURES: This course will cover proper radio etiquette when logging on to the MCSO radio system, clearing the Communications Center and expand on the district dividers for patrol. This course will also familiarize the student with log on/off procedures, radio codes and operation, and emergency radio procedures.

BOOKING & SEARCH: This course will cover the use of the computerized booking system and the proper method for searching both male and female prisoners.

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.

MECHANICAL RESTRAINTS: Successful completion of this course will certify the 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.

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.

ELECTRONIC RESTRAINT DEVICES (TASER): This course will certify the student in the use of the Taser. Topics will include operation, maintenance and use of force issues. Students must bring a Taser and holster which can be attached to a trouser or duty belt to class. A written and practical exam will be administered. Posse Members wanting to enroll in this course must first complete Advanced Posse Training.

USE OF FORCE: This course will cover the Use of Force policy and legal issues for the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.

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: 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 exams will be administered.

JUDGEMENTAL USE OF FORCE (MILO): 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.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING: This course is designed to provide the employee with the opportunity to address their decision making skills while operating a county vehicle. The class will utilize class discussion along with driving time in the simulator. While driving in the simulator students will need to demonstrate proper driving and collision avoidance techniques as discussed in class, such as lane position, speed and braking control, turning positions, and maneuvering around obstacles they may encounter.

OSHA: This recertification involves the viewing of a thirty minute video followed by a brief question and answer period. This recertification is required every year.

CRIME SCENE MANAGEMENT: This course is designed to provide information to posse members on what step are to be taken to help maintain the integrity of a crimes scene and prevent the destruction of any evidence. This course is only open to Advance and QAP posse members.

BUILDING CLEARING: this course is designed to give QAP members a better understanding of proper clearing techniques to help aid in the assistance of our patrol deputies out in the field. This course is only open to QAP posse members who have at least completed the previous year’s mandatory training to include firearms qualifications.

ENFORCEMENT SUPPORT INTRODUCTION: This course is designed to give the posse member an understanding of what the Enforcement Support Division does and offers the Sheriff’s Office when it comes to operational deployment.

REPORT WRITING: This course is designed to provide posse members with the knowledge and understanding of the elements required when authoring a police report. Posse members assist deputies in many avenues and must be able to and be prepared to submit written documentation when involved in any type of situation.