Graffiti Investigation Now Available - December 21, 2007

Graffiti crimes can range from meaningless vandalism to well established communication systems among gang members. While the motives for these crimes are diverse, all graffiti impacts on the communities and neighbourhoods where it occurs. These crimes not only decrease property values and generate a negative image of a community, but also increase concerns for personal safety, and create an atmosphere that encourages the perpetration of other crimes.

Working with content provided by the Saskatoon Police Service's Anti Graffiti Unit and additional input from police services in Canada and the US, CPKN has produced an introductory level Graffiti Investigation course for all officers. This course explores the various types of graffiti, how to interpret its meaning, and provides guidelines how to successfully investigate graffiti complaints and win convictions on graffiti offenses. This course also advises on methods and techniques that community groups can use to remove graffiti from various surfaces.

For more information on this course, please visit www.cpkn.ca/course_detail/graffiti_e.html.

New Release: Firearms Investigations - December 7, 2007

From content provided by the Calgary Police Service, CPKN has worked with subject matter experts in various parts of the country to adapt the Firearms Investigations course for a national police audience.

Based on the laws and regulations of the Firearms Act, this two hour course focuses on the proper use, storage, and confiscation of firearms in Canada and will assist officers is understanding the extent of their authorities in various circumstances and settings.

For more information on this course, please visit www.cpkn.ca/course_detail/firearms_investigations_e.html.

CPKN Recognized for Excellence in IT Innovation - November 15, 2007

For the second time in a month, the Canadian Police Knowledge Network has been recognized for excellence in IT-based innovation and productivity. Following a silver standing at the GTEC Distinction Awards in October, CPKN was named to an impressive list of finalists at the Canadian Information Productivity Awards (CIPA) competition.

CIPA, the leading national information technology awards program, is a showcase for Canada's IT leaders and celebrates visionary organizations that have implemented innovative solutions to address business challenges or maximize opportunities. As a finalist, CPKN was presented with a Finalist Achievement Award at the CIPA Awards Gala in Toronto, earning national and international exposure for its work in developing and delivering online training for the Canadian policing sector.

"Our team has worked hard to make e-learning a viable training alternative for front line officers across this country," says Sandy Sweet, VP and COO of CPKN. "The recognition of CIPA's national panel of judges and the support from the Canada's policing community are testaments to our achievements in providing an innovative, value-added service for police."

Created in 2004, CPKN is a not-for-profit initiative of Holland College's Justice Knowledge Network in Charlottetown, PEI. Working directly with police services and training organizations, CPKN offers a comprehensive catalogue of e-learning training options for police and other Canadian law enforcement agencies.

Urban Gang Dynamics: New Release at CPKN - October 30, 2007

As demonstrated in the recent tragic multiple homicide in Surrey, BC, gang activity represents some of the most significant and dangerous problems in communities across the country. While their structure differs from other organized crime groups such as bikers or drug cartels, these gangs are often involved in a variety of criminal activities including drug trafficking, fraud, assaultive behavior, and weapons.

To help police better understand gang culture and organization, CPKN, in association with the Toronto Police Service's Gun and Gang Task Force, has released Urban Gang Dynamics, a comprehensive introduction to gangs and gang investigations.

"This course was developed with input from gang investigators across Canada," says Detective Sergeant Doug Quan, operational officer in charge of the Integrated Gun & Gang Task Force and one of the primary subject matter experts in the development of this course. "It reflects a national perspective on gang-related crime and gives front line officers a thorough understanding of the culture, organization, and activities of street gangs."

The Urban Gang Dynamics course focuses on understanding the dynamics of gangs and their impact on communities while providing officers with information and techniques relevant to investigating street gang related crimes. Furthermore, given the potentially dangerous situations that police officers encounter when investigating gang activities, a significant portion of this course is dedicated to officer safety issues.

For more information on this course, please visit www.cpkn.ca/course_detail/gangdynamics_e.html

CPKN Takes Silver at GTEC - October 16, 2007

The Canadian Police Knowledge Network vied with Canada's top e-service providers to earn silver at the annual GTEC Distinction Awards Gala in Gatineau, Quebec. As one of hundreds of nominated projects, CPKN emerged among the leaders for its national achievements in the development and delivery of e-learning solutions for Canada's policing sector.

Designed to celebrate leadership, innovation, and excellence in e-technologies for the public sector, GTEC (Government Technology Exhibition and Conference) formally recognizes organizations that advance the delivery of services through improved management of information and technology. CPKN, an initiative created through Holland College's Justice Knowledge Network based in Charlottetown, PEI, was distinguished for increasing the accessibility and efficiency of police training in Canada. Working directly with police services and training organizations, CPKN develops innovative online training options to support front-line operations for police and other law enforcement agencies.

"Our team is extremely proud to receive the recognition of such a prominent body of leaders from Canada's technology sector," says Sandy Sweet, COO of CPKN. "It reinforces the fact that work we do is meeting a very real need in the Canadian policing community and has a significant impact on the ability of officers to safely and effectively carry out their duties in communities across the country."

CPKN's award in the Human Dimension category recognizes this not-for-profit's outstanding contribution to the application and use of technology to enhance government at municipal, provincial, and federal levels. As police services across Canada face the retirement of significant numbers of experienced officers, constrained budgets, and a continually growing list of training requirements to meet the evolving needs of our communities, CPKN's e-learning options enable services to access training for more officers, more often with significant savings in time and money. The online delivery platform condenses traditional classroom training times by approximately two-thirds and provides 24/7, self-paced access for learners. This model not only considerably reduces or eliminates scheduling issues and travel-related costs, but also increases productivity and the time officers spend on the job.

CPKN Co-hosts Police Training Conference - October 15, 2007

CPKN, the Police Sector Council, and the Canadian Association of Police Educators recently hosted more than 50 police trainers from across Canada to discuss the pertinent issues facing training in the police sector.

On October 10th and 11th, members of CPKN's e-Learning Advisory Network and various representatives from police training institutions, sector organizations, and associated government departments met in Stanhope, Prince Edward Island to analyze challenges, share best practices, and explore options to improve and enhance police training in Canada

Central to the issues at hand, Geoff Gruson and Portia Dewhirst of the Police Sector Council presented the findings from the PSC's recent HR Diagnostic Study. Described as three converging low pressure systems, researchers found that the changing demographics of the police sector, increasing workloads with greater demands and complexity, and the current structure of budgets and governance models are all contributing to a 'perfect storm' in Canada's policing community. Recognizing the relevance of these issues within their own services, many delegates took heed to report recommendations regarding the urgent need to develop strategies around competency-based management, training and education, leadership development and succession planning, and recruitment and retention. Participants also recognized the value of collaborating to facilitate the integration of cross-jurisdictional issues and the need for collective action to support the continued delivery of quality service to communities across the country.

Building on this information, the conference featured several break-out sessions where participants discussed various aspects of training. In one session, the group analyzed the current gaps in police training, particularly as it relates to e-learning. Facilitated by Dale Sheehan and Lisa Gilliss of the RCMP, participants identified a wide variety of themes - - from communication and infrastructure to accreditation and collaborative effort among services as areas that require more attention. This was the basis for numerous discussions around best practices. Services such as Toronto, Calgary, Durham, and Winnipeg shared their first-hand experiences on implementing e-learning training models -- what worked and what didn't -- with the group. While every service has unique training requirements that reflect the diversity of the communities they serve, participants found much value in the opportunity to extrapolate the lessons learned by these organizations to their own services' situation and needs.

Sessions were also held on selecting and developing e-learning courseware. Representatives from CPKN's Design and Development team led a Q & A session on the processes involved in the selection, design, development, and delivery of CPKN courses. Following this, the group mapped various topics that CPKN might consider for future development, focusing on those issues that are of national relevance and would service to decrease duplication of effort among services.

For some, e-learning is new territory; for others, it's a well-traveled road. This conference was a forum for delegates to network, share experiences, and gain a greater understanding of the potential that e-learning offers and how it can be used to address the needs of individual services. All agree that this event was a positive step forward as the sector navigates the challenges ahead.

General Investigation Training Now Offered in Blended Learning Format - September 4, 2007

The Ontario Police College (OPC) and CPKN are pleased to announce the launch of the General Investigation Training Course, the latest release in the collaborative learning series.

GIT is a foundation training activity designed to provide new investigators with the necessary skills and knowledge to transition from the patrol function to the investigative function. The course emphasizes the concepts and principles of good case management practices and the core competencies of a general investigator. GIT provides the basis for further specialization in a specific investigative field and is a mandatory pre-requisite for most other investigative and senior level courses.

Similar to the Advanced Patrol Training Course, GIT is now offered in a two part blended learning format. Part I will be delivered online through CPKN, and Part II in a condensed classroom session from the OPC or a designated police service.

"This blended learning option significantly reduces the time and financial resources that police services need to commit to GIT training initiatives," says Bill Stephens, Deputy Director at the OPC. "And by delivering the theoretical components of this course online, classroom instructors can put greater focus on topics such as search (with/without warrant), interview techniques, informant development and handling, and other practical applications."

Adapted from the OPC's General Investigation Training Course, some portions of this course are specific to Ontario jurisdictions. However, interested participants from outside of Ontario are encouraged to contact CPKN for further information.

New Release: Harassment Awareness - August 28, 2007

Harassment in the workplace affects not only the specific parties involved, but can also negatively impact on an organization as a whole. As such, harassment awareness is essential in any organization that promotes communication, understanding, and respect among all employees in every level of the organization.

To help organizations and their personnel recognize harassment events and understand the impacts that they have on both the individuals involved and the health of the workplace environment, CPKN is pleased to announce the release of the Harassment Awareness in the Workplace course.

The content for this course has been generously gifted from the RCMP and reviewed by two municipal subject matter experts, Sgt. Dave Sanders, Human Relations Training, Toronto Police Service and Chief Paul Smith, Charlottetown Police Services, to ensure that the material meets the needs of the wider police community. This course has been created to improve the safety and well-being of all police officers. In addition to increasing awareness about possible or potential incidents of harassment, this course provides direction on the use of early problem solving to avoid harassment episodes and the use of mediation techniques to resolve conflicts.

For more information on this course, please visit www.cpkn.ca/course_detail/harassment_awareness_e.html

CPIC Query/Narrative Online Pilot Launch on August 1^st - July 19, 2007

From August 1 - October 31, 2007, the CPIC Query/Narrative Online Course will be offered at no cost as a pilot program to law enforcement officers across Canada on CPKN's e-learning portal.

This course was developed as a component of the Police Sector Council's research project examining the application of e-learning for effective long-term human resource management in the Canadian policing sector. Adapted from the Canadian Police Information Centre's traditional three day classroom training curriculum, the newly refurbished online version reduces delivery time to six online hours and is designed to provide users with the skills to query CPIC Data Banks, analyze the responses, and send narrative traffic messages using the CPIC System.

As part of the pilot, participants will be required to complete two brief questionnaires which are designed to obtain information about learner demographics, attitudes towards course content and delivery methods, and perceived levels of pre- and post-course knowledge about CPIC queries and narrative traffic. Information collected during the pilot is kept strictly anonymous and will be used by the PSC to form recommendations to support a sector-wide approach to police training and to form the basis of a national e-learning strategy.

This pilot provides an opportunity for members of the policing community to shape the future of e-learning training initiatives in Canada. To learn more or to register to the CPIC Query/Narrative Online Course pilot program, please visit CPKN's website at www.cpkn.ca/course_detail/cpic_e.html

National Breath Test Program Training Offered in New Delivery Format - June 22, 2007

The RCMP's Forensic Science and Identification Services (FS&IS) and CPKN have joined forces to adapt the delivery of the National Breath Test Program training. A combination of online and classroom components, this course will provide learners with a more flexible self-paced, interactive experience, and, in most cases, reduce the cost and time associated with the traditional training program.

"This new learning approach responds to a growing demand from police services to reduce the duration of breath test training," says Randy Prokopanko, National Breath Test Program Coordinator. "While this new model streamlines training, it also standardizes program content for consistent delivery to users across the country."

FS&IS has worked closely with CPKN's development team to ensure a comprehensive and cost-effective program. Under the new delivery model, Part I, Breath Test Pre-Course Training, is delivered via CPKN's online learning portal, while Part II is offered via scheduled classroom sessions. Select theory-based components from the traditional training program have been adapted into eight mandatory web-based modules:

• Roles of a Qualified Technician
• Principles of Measurement
• Principles of Breath Testing
• Instrument Overview
• Accessories
• Interpreting Breath Test Results
• Distinguishing the Impairing Effects of Alcohol
• Submission of Exhibits

The Breath Test Pre-Course Training will require ten to fourteen hours of online study during which candidates can work according to their own pace and schedules. Access to this portion of the program is available from any Internet-connected computer, allowing candidates to work from home, the office, or other locations. While candidates can work independently through the Pre-Course, FS&IS instructors and Senior Field Instructors are available to respond to questions.

Part II of the training is in a classroom setting over an average five day period. The materials reinforce and expand on the principles and theories discussed in the Pre-Course with hands-on application of the approved instrument(s) (BAC Datamaster C or Intoxilyzer 5000C).

"Candidates who have piloted the blended program appreciate what e-learning provides - the opportunity to learn at their own pace and to review the material as many times as needed." says Liz Dittmar, a Breath Test Program instructor and primary contributor to the adapted program. "Because candidates have learned most of the theory prior to the classroom portion of the course, instructors are able to devote more of their time to instrument-based instruction and one-to-one operational problem solving."

The Breath Test blended learning program is currently being offered in select locations before full implementation in September 2007. At that time, all candidates seeking designation as Qualified Technicians will be trained via the two-part program.

For more information on the Breath Test blended learning program, please visit the CPKN website or contact:

Randy Prokopanko
National Breath Test Program Coordinator
Office Phone: 1-204-983-7363
E-mail:randy.prokopanko@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

APT Blended Learning Program Released - May 8, 2007

Working in cooperation with the Canadian Police Knowledge Network (CPKN), the Ontario Police College (OPC) has released the second of three blended learning programs. On the heels of the refurbished Suspect Apprehension Pursuits program that was launched in January, the OPC has now announced the release of the Advanced Patrol Training (APT) blended learning program.

"This series of blended programs uses the best of both worlds," says Rudy Gheyson, OPC Director. "We've incorporated the efficiency of online learning with the hands-on experience of traditional instruction to provide officers with a comprehensive training experience."

Focusing on a variety of topics specific to patrol duty, legal updates, and current patrol issues, the blended APT program consists of both e-learning and classroom components. Through theory, case scenarios, and experiential exercises, Part I is delivered via CPKN's online portal and focuses on officer authorities in mandatory topic areas including:

• Arrest
• Criminal Offences
• Drugs
• Investigative Detention
• Law on Drinking & Driving
• Domestic Violence Investigations
• Provincial Statutes

These areas are further explored through traditional instruction during Part II which is delivered by police services in condensed classroom sessions. Any region-specific issues are also addressed during the classroom session.

Cal Bond and Mauro Succi, APT Team Leaders at the OPC, agree that the blended learning approach is a positive step forward for APT delivery. "We've spent significant time working with the development team at CPKN to ensure that this program will meet the needs and expectations of the police community," says Succi. "We've streamlined the overall program while providing participants with a range of new learning tools and experiences."

Like OPC's traditional APT program, successful participants of the APT blended learning program (Part I & Part II) are issued an OPC certificate for Advanced Patrol Training. General Investigative Training, the third program in this blended learning trilogy, is scheduled for release in June.

For more information, please visit APT course page or contact CPKN at 1-866-357-2756.

National E-Learning Initiative Brings CPIC Training Online - February 28, 2007

The Canadian Police Knowledge Network (CPKN) and the Police Sector Council (PSC), with Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC), have launched a national e-learning initiative featuring an online version of the CPIC Query/Narrative training program. This project will merge CPKN's technical know-how with CPIC expertise and PSC's strategic approach for effective human resource management to create an interactive e-learning course to benefit law enforcement agencies across Canada.

Scheduled for launch in the Spring, the CPIC course is designed to provide users with the skills required to query CPIC Data Banks, analyze the responses, and send narrative traffic messages using the CPIC System. This course will be delivered in both French and English and will be offered as an alternative to traditional classroom training sessions to all law enforcement personnel.

"Many organizations are constrained by the time and cost commitments surrounding conventional training programs," says Chief Superintendent Gord Finck, Director General for CPIC. "An online training option will not only significantly decrease the costs associated with attending a classroom-based program, but will reduce training time from three days to approximately six hours."

Funded by PSC, through the Federal Government's Sector Council Program, the development of this online course is a "pilot" of a larger project which will examine the application of e-learning for effective long-term human resource management in the Canadian policing sector. The PSC recognizes that police organizations are faced with numerous human resource challenges. There are significant gaps in the workforce continuum where many of the most experienced personnel are nearing retirement while almost 25% have less than five years of experience. As the sector experiences increasingly complex criminality and a growing demand for new and advanced skills, appropriate training for police is of particular concern.

The PSC is committed to enabling the Canadian policing sector to identify practical solutions to HR challenges - this project will create a benchmark against which national e-learning education and training can be assessed.

"This project is essential for understanding sector requirements and responses to e-learning," says Geoff Gruson, Executive Director of PSC. "We believe it will create the basis for a standardized approach to national training initiatives, while demonstrating efficiency, improved productivity, and enhanced performance for officers."

Prior to official launch of the CPIC Query/Narrative course, a nation-wide pilot will be conducted to allow CPKN researchers to evaluate a variety of factors, including:

• the practicalities of offering national e-learning solutions for 'just-in-time' learning;
• the uptake and cost benefit/feasibility of e-learning on a national scale; learner satisfaction; and
• instructional soundness and effectiveness (i.e. learner retention and skills/ knowledge transfer)

This is the first comprehensive study to examine the delivery of sector-wide e-learning education and training. It will provide valuable data on the potential for increased training efficiencies and cost savings and will form the basis of a national e-learning strategy for the Fall of 2007.

Suspect Apprehension Pursuits Online Training Now Available - January 22, 2007

The online component of Suspect Apprehension Pursuits Accredited Training Program is now available on the CPKN portal. This is the first of three courses that the Ontario Police College is adapting to an interactive online format.

Based on the Ontario Police Service Act's Suspect Apprehension Pursuits Regulation, this course is an alternative to traditional self-study components of the the Ontario Suspect Apprehension Pursuits (SAP) Accredited Training program. SAP is a basic refresher course focusing on current pursuit regulations, techniques, and reality-based scenarios. SAP will aid police officers, supervisors, and dispatchers in establishing appropriate procedures to safely prevent, manage, and/or terminate pursuits. Topics covered include:

• Regulations
• Suspect Apprehension Pursuits
• Alternatives to Pursuit
• Pursuit Driving
• Pursuit Management and Control
• Methods of Terminating Pursuits

SAP can be used as a stand-alone training tool or as part of a blended training program. In Ontario, to meet accreditation requirements this course must be completed in conjunction with the consensus test and the viewing of the Ontario Police Vehicle Training Alliance SAP training video.

In other jurisdictions, CPKN will work with police service training coordinators and SAP instructors to determine the best means of incorporating this e-learning option to meet their services' training needs.

For additional information on this course, please visit www.cpkn.ca/course_detail/sap_e.html

E-Learning Advisory Network Launched - January 12, 2007

CPKN is working directly with Canadian police services to promote online training opportunities for in-service officers. More than twenty-five police services across the country have appointed E-Learning Advisors, or EAs, to act as CPKN "points-of-contact" within their organizations.

E-learning is gaining recognition as an important training tool. As interest and access to online training grows, CPKN and police organizations have established the E-Learning Advisory Network to provide front-line officers with information about how online training works and the types of courses available. This network will also assist police services in integrating e-learning into existing training curriculums.

"These officers will play an essential role in enhancing training programs in their organizations," says Barry MacLeod, manager for Business Development at CPKN. "Though e-learning is relatively new among police services in Canada, the support for this collaborative approach has been extremely positive."

Chosen for their knowledge of their organization's training programs and motivation to enhance in-service training, EAs will promote online training among their colleagues and assist CPKN in identifying new e-learning opportunities that will provide both cost and time-saving benefits to their organization.

For more information about the E-Learning Advisory Network, or how to become involved, please contact CPKN.

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