OPVTA To Launch Online Delivery Portal - December 22, 2009

In January, the Ontario Police Video Training Alliance will launch a new online portal hosted by CPKN. OPVTA members will now be able to access, at no additional cost, OPVTA video training resources via the Internet. This is in addition to their traditional deliverable DVD format.

"Moving from a DVD to online model is a natural step in our evolution," says Jamie Saunders, Production Manager of the Video Unit at Niagara Regional Police Service which produces all OPVTA programming. "This new portal will give OPVTA's membership 24/7 access to our catalogue in a secure online learning environment. Moreover, it will provide additional features such as content review, learner tracking, and reporting mechanisms. "

OPVTA's portal will reside on CPKN's Learning Management System but will only be accessible to OPVTA's member organizations. Each OPVTA member agency will initially register their personnel through CPKN, but thereafter will have the option to assign an administrator to the portal to manage their service's registrations to individual courses, monitor in-service training events, and run learner progress reports.

"Creating an exclusive portal on CPKN's infrastructure is an extremely cost effective option for OPVTA," says Michael Knight, Chair of OPVTA. "We not only bypass the expense of purchasing and managing an independent LMS, but also benefit from CPKN's experience in making our programs ready for online delivery. We believe this portal will yield a real advantage for our membership and the organization as a whole." At launch, the portal will feature a preliminary selection of videos, including Search Without Warrant, Guaranteed Safe Arrival, Domestic Violence, Communicable Diseases, Prescription Drug Enforcement, Building Searches, and Psychosis. OPVTA will continue to work with CPKN's Design and Development team to transition existing videos to an online format.

The portal is expected to launch in late January. OPVTA members may contact either their Executive, or CPKN's Support Desk at 1-866-357-2756/support@cpkn.ca for more information. Outside agencies wishing to learn more about becoming a member of OPVTA in order to access these programs may contact either Michael Knight or Jamie Saunders. Contact information may be found at www.opvta.com.

…………………………………………………………………………

OPVTA is a non-profit member driven organization that provides professional, high-quality video training resources to member police services throughout Ontario's Law Enforcement Community and beyond. First established in 1996, OPVTA currently provides video programs to over 90 member services, representing 24,000 police officers.

New Release: Criminal Use of Diamonds - November 23, 2009  

Criminal Use of Diamonds, a course that examines the history, processes, security issues, and exploit opportunities associated with diamonds, was released today on CPKN learning portals.

With content provided by Kelly Ross, a 20 year veteran police officer and author of The Fifth 'C': The Criminal Use of Diamonds, this course explores money laundering, the international Kimberly Process which controls the movement, sale and/or trade of blood/conflict diamonds, and the factors that affect the appeal of diamonds to criminals.

This four hour introductory level course is designed for all police and other law enforcement personnel who may be involved in the investigation of crimes involving diamonds. This may include frontline officers, drug crimes investigators, and fraud investigators. It is also relevant to other sectors including insurance, customs, and other government agencies.

For more information or to register, please visit the course description at www.cpkn.ca/course_detail/diamond_crime_e.html

Stanhope 2009 in Review - November 3, 2009  

The Stanhope Conference continues to be a progressive learning experience for the Canadian police community. On October 6^th and 7^th, 60 delegates from 38 policing services and agencies across Canada gathered in Stanhope, Prince Edward Island to discuss and shape the future of online training for Canada's frontline police community.

"We continue to be impressed by the diversity of representation and level of engagement this conference produces," says Sandy Sweet, President of CPKN. "Despite the small-scale format of this event, we've found the size of the group is highly conducive to networking, sharing ideas, challenges, and issues."

Co-hosted by CPKN and the Police Sector Council, the third annual Stanhope Conference agenda covered a range of topics, from the practical challenges of implementing e-learning to a fast-forward look to the technologies and innovations that are coming down the line. As an added feature, a pre?conference 'e-Learning 101' workshop was delivered to provide an overview of the fundamental theories and development processes involved in developing online training courses.

"This conference has become widely recognized as a networking opportunity to openly share information and knowledge, to establish relationships with other agencies, and to exchange good ideas about online training for frontline personnel," says Geoff Gruson of the Police Sector Council. "It has become a key means of keeping services focused and up-to-date on the state of e-learning in Canadian policing."

Another major component of the conference is the identification and selection of priority training topics for e-learning development under the Police Sector Council's national e-learning program. This year, a new process was initiated whereby any policing service or agency could submit topic proposals for consideration. These topics were then voted on according to relevance, priority, and risk factors. Results of voting on the fourteen submitted topics are currently being analyzed; outcomes will be published on the conference website.

The second annual Black Socks Awards was also a conference highlight. Established to recognize leadership among Canadian policing agencies in the adoption of e-learning, the highly coveted Black Socks are bestowed upon those organizations who have demonstrated proactive attitudes and actions in making e-learning a part of their training curriculums. This year, three new organizations were inducted to the Order: Ontario Police Video Training Association (accepted by Jamie Saunders and Michael Knight); Ontario Provincial Police (accepted by John Tod); Halton Regional Police Service (accepted by Duncan Foot).

"There was a lot to take in over this two day event, but in the end, what struck me most was how far we've already come", says Sweet. "In the two short years since the first Stanhope Conference, the Canadian police community has made incredible advances in its adoption and uptake of e-learning. I believe it's the relationships and networks of knowledge sharing that are at the core of that progress. And while it's impossible to keep pace with ever-evolving technologies, I think we'll surprise ourselves in how much further along the continuum we'll be in another two years."

BC Launches Province-Wide Online Domestic Violence Training Initiative - October 29, 2009  

Today, on behalf of the British Columbia Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General (Police Services Division), CPKN will begin hosting a new province-wide online training initiative for BC police.

Through collaboration with independent municipal police, RCMP, Ministry of Children and Family Development, Crown Counsel, Victim Services and Corrections, the Ministry will launch the Evidence-based, Risk-focused Domestic Violence Investigations training course. Designed to enhance performance, this program emphasizes the importance of proper investigations and a coordinated response to domestic violence issues. It also reviews recommended practices for BC police officers during the course of domestic violence investigations.

Recognizing that police officers are just one part of the criminal justice system involved in domestic violence cases, this 3.5 hour course focuses on the value of inter-agency cooperation and the necessity of effective threat assessment and risk management strategies in domestic violence cases. It is intended to encourage police officers to consider victim safety (and risks to victim safety) as a central factor when making decisions both during and after an investigation.

The Evidence-based, Risk-focused Domestic Violence Investigations course is mandatory training for more than 4800 frontline police officers and supervisors of frontline police in BC, including independent municipal police departments and the RCMP. All officers falling within this group are expected to take this course within the next two years. The course will also become required learning for recruits attending the JIBC Police Academy and those RCMP cadets stationed in BC during their field coaching period.

Built by CPKN's Design & Development team with content provided by the Ministry and the instructional design services of TecKnowledg-e Learning, Inc., CPKN will also host the course and provide learner support to all independent municipal police learners in BC. RCMP learners will access it through their own internal learning management system AGORA.

For more information, please visit www.cpkn.ca/course_detail/bc_dvi_e.html.

TPS Takes Preventative Measures Against H1N1 - October 15, 2009  

Toronto Police Service is making a preemptive strike on the H1N1 virus. Understanding the potential impact of this pandemic event could have at individual, organizational, and municipal levels, all sworn TPS officers and civilian staff have been directed to participate in an online information event for Infectious Disease and Pandemic Preparedness.

"We take the H1N1 threat very seriously," says Inspector Bill Neadles of the Toronto Police Public Safety & Emergency Management. "For the safety of our staff and for the public at large, we are taking all possible measures to prevent and control the spread of this forecasted outbreak."

As the next wave of the H1N1 flu approaches, more than 5,700 TPS officers and 2,000 civilian staff have been recently enrolled in Infectious Disease and Pandemic Preparedness, an online training course offered through CPKN. Each person can access the course through TPS's designated portal on the CPKN Learning Management System and is provided with time during working hours to complete the 30 minute course. Designed to increase awareness about pandemic events and instruct learners on protecting themselves against infectious disease, this course is a mandatory training initiative for all TPS employees.

"In this case, an online approach is the most effective means of communicating essential information in our organization," says Insp. Neadles. "Under tight timelines, it bypasses the expense and scheduling conflicts associated with in-person information sessions, but still allows us to reach every person in every unit throughout the city."

During severe outbreaks, a pandemic event not only puts the health of people at risk, but can also have serious consequences for public services. In the event of widespread infection, there is potential for the disruption in services due to shortages of staff and decreased capacity. As an essential service, it is particularly important that police operations are maintained at optimal levels.

"At this point, information is our best defense," says Insp. Neadles. "While this initiative will not completely shield our organization against the effects of the H1N1 virus, it is expected to significantly reduce its impact on the health of staff and day-to-day services."

New Version of CPIC Query/Narrative Launched - September 28, 2009  

CPIC Query/Narrative Online has recently undergone extensive updates. The new version of the course was launched on the CPKN portal today.

First released in 2007, this course provides information on CPIC policy 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. In addition to restructuring the course in the new CPKN interface, the content itself has been updated to reflect the enhanced international component of the CPIC system.

Specifically, the lesson on ACUPIES (Automated Canadian United States Police Information Exchange) has been updated to correspond with changes regarding queries for USA and Interpol databases.

The English version of the updated course was released today; the new French language version is currently in translation and will be available later this fall.

Currently registered learners are advised that access to the earlier version will expire on September 30, 2010. However, learners who have registered to CPIC Query/Narrative Online in the past year (registered on or after September 28, 2008) will be granted access to the new version at no cost on request. Please contact the CPKN Support Desk at 1-866-357-2756 / support@cpkn.ca for more information.

As of today, all new registrants will be enrolled to the new version of CPIC Query/Narrative Online. Learners are advised that the price for this course has also changed. Effective September 28, 2009, this course will cost $50/user. Licensing options for organizations are available.

CPKN Hosts Online Component of Alberta ISEP - September 11, 2009  

Alberta is making the most of CPKN's flexible service options in the delivery of its Investigative Skills Education Program (ISEP). Designed in a blended learning format, this program ensures that investigators throughout Alberta will have access to consistent, structured, and progressive training throughout their careers. This month, CPKN began hosting the first of more than 30 courses that make up the online component of the program.

"The investigative skills and knowledge needed in today's policing profession are very complex," says Insp. (retired) Rick Gagnon, Provincial Coordinator of the ISEP program. "This, combined with an unprecedented rate of new hires, fewer mentors, and time constraints around training, has potential to seriously impact on officers' abilities to conduct effective investigations."

Recognizing these challenges, the concept for a blended ISEP began in 2007 at the Edmonton Police Service (EPS). However, the program's value to agencies throughout the province was soon realized. Now with funding provided by the Alberta Ministry of Solicitor General and Public Security, ISEP is managed by EPS on behalf of all Alberta police agencies, including municipal and Aboriginal police services and the RCMP. Following a curriculum tied to competencies on the skills development continuum, the program consists of four levels. After Recruit Training (Level 100), the program incorporates a blend of online and in-class problem-based learning to help officers develop their skills as their careers advance.

"Considering the nature of the program and the challenges associated with delivering to investigators across the province, we believe a blended approach is the most accessible and effective means for delivering this training," says Gagnon. "The e-learning portion allows learners to work through critical, theory-based portions of the program according to their own pace and schedules while the in-class component applies that knowledge in a highly focused, experiential learning environment."

Supported by a provincial governance committee, EPS's Training Unit has created the core ISEP curriculum through a collaborative feedback process with other agencies throughout the province.

"We've developed content based on provincial standards and shared commonalities between agencies," says Sgt. (retired) Carol Glasgow, Manager of Training for Edmonton Police Service. "Combining this with defined competencies demonstrated in the field, the program provides a comprehensive training experience for all Alberta investigators."

In early September the first cohort of 150 officers from nine agencies across Alberta began the online component of Level 200 via CPKN. Throughout the fall and early winter, these candidates will access fifteen online courses through CPKN's Learning Management System (LMS) and complete three one-day classroom sessions offered in both Calgary and Edmonton. Based on the current schedule, this first group of officers will complete Level 200 coursework in January 2010.

"The decision to deliver the online component through CPKN will significantly streamline program logistics," continues Glasgow. "In addition to hosting the courses on their LMS, CPKN will manage learner registration, provide technical support services, and deliver monthly reports on learner progress back to EPS. This significantly reduces the strain on our own resources and allows us to put greater focus on content development and in-class portions of the program."

To date, curriculums for Levels 200 and 400 have been finalized and Level 300 is under development. The full program is expected to be up and running by the fall of 2010.

"Like any large undertaking, ISEP is a work in progress," concludes Gagnon. "Over time and through ongoing collaboration, it will become more defined. With more than 2,000 investigators expected to participate over the next five years, ISEP is a priority initiative that will benefit all Alberta policing agencies. "

Graffiti Course an Asset to Charlottetown Investigation - August 31, 2009  

Graffiti Investigation proved to be a positive asset for investigators who tackled graffiti crime in Charlottetown.

The escalation in the number of graffiti related complaints in the Charlottetown area in recent months prompted the Charlottetown Police Services (CPS) to assign two members to a dedicated investigation. Cst. Sean Coombs and Cst. Steve Gallant, experienced investigators in the CPS Street Crime Unit, began a comprehensive investigation of all graffiti files in late Spring. As a means of broadening their knowledge on graffiti-related crime, both participated in CPKN's Graffiti Investigation course.

"Ongoing training is essential to every officer's career," says Paul Smith, Chief of Charlottetown Police Services. "In this case, the graffiti course was a solid source of information that contributed to our members' existing experience and skills. It was a very worthwhile two hour investment."

Much of the investigation centered on the identification and arrest of a particularly prolific offender with the tag name, or signature, of 'Nova'. As the investigation continued, officers contacted Detective Constable Lee Jones of the Saskatoon Police Service (the course Subject Matter Expert) and Special Constable Craig Wright of the Toronto Transit Commission for an analysis of graffiti incidents from the Charlottetown area. Based on the study of submitted photographs, it was concluded that approximately 70% of those tags could be attributed to Nova.

A short time into the investigation, officers executed a search warrant on a city residence and arrested a 20-year-old man. That individual, believed to be Nova, is facing a series of charges which are presently before the courts. Two other unrelated arrests have also been made.

"The success of this case clearly demonstrates the value of CPKN training courses and the network behind those resources," says Chief Smith. "CPKN not only provides an opportunity to expand on officers' baseline knowledge on a wide range of subject areas, but also presents a direct line of contact to experts in those fields. That sharing of information and experience played a key role in our investigation."

Graffiti crime is a problem for communities, rural and urban, around the globe. And though seemingly benign, the cumulative impact of graffiti on a community is much more threatening: it damages property, reduces property values, undermines the sense of security and safety, and generates an undesirable impression among residents and visitors alike. Though it is unlikely that police will ever be able to eradicate this type of vandalism, for now, Charlottetown city police have certainly made their mark.

New Release: Evidence Gathering from Financial Institutions - July 28, 2009  

One of the most important aspects of any investigation is the lawful search and seizure of evidence. Evidence Gathering from Financial Institutions is designed to help investigators develop their skills at preparing and executing search and seizures in the financial crimes domain. Developed by RCMP Learning and Development Branch in collaboration with the RCMP Departmental Security Branch, this course is now available (in both French and English) to a national police audience on the CPKN portal.

Using scenario-based examples and supporting resources, this four hour online course provides investigators (police officers and civilian employees) with a solid foundation in the applicable policy and case law surrounding evidence gathering tools. Though it is not a course in drafting per se, it is designed to enhance investigator skills in the preparation of applications for Production Orders, Section 487 Warrants, General Warrants and related Assistance Orders.

For more information or to register, please visit www.cpkn.ca/course_detail/evidence_gathering_e.html

PSC Invests in Three Year National e-Learning Program - July 9, 2009  

The Police Sector Council is making a major investment in the future of Canadian police training. Following the success of six previous collaborations, the PSC has partnered with CPKN to deliver an extensive national e-learning program over the next three years. Beginning in June 2009 through to March 2012, the PSC, by way of the Government of Canada's Sector Council Program, will fund the development and evaluation of at least twelve nationally relevant training courses.

"This is a million dollar program investment that will provide real returns to the Canadian policing community for years to come," says Geoff Gruson, Executive Director of the Police Sector Council. "e-Learning has proven to be an ideal tool for managing training needs in this sector. This initiative will not only produce valuable training resources but will also yield important research that will allow us to steadily improve upon police training in this country."

Overseen by a national steering committee of police training professionals, this project will merge an ambitious development schedule with an applied research agenda that will gather and analyze pertinent learning data. As in past collaborations, each course will be offered on the CPKN learning portal at no cost to Canadian police and law enforcement personnel for a four month introductory period. In exchange, learners will be asked to complete a brief online survey to provide feedback on their learning experience. In some cases, additional follow-up telephone surveys and focus groups will be conducted with some learners. CPKN will further investigate up-take by police professionals, costs and benefits of e-learning on a national scale, and the impact of learning on officer performance.

"The program objectives are twofold - - on the development side, it will focus on creating a series of nationally relevant e-learning courses that build competencies and capacity where they are needed most," says Gruson. "The research component will not only assess the impact of individual courses but will also examine and incorporate trends within the learning industry to ensure we're continually innovating to deliver the most effective learning to frontline officers."

"We're extremely pleased to partner with the Sector Council on this initiative," says Sandy Sweet, President of CPKN. "The PSC has been fundamental in building support for online learning in police training curriculums. Our past collaborations have produced significant benefits to law enforcement professionals across the country and we're confident that this project will amplify those benefits."

In fact over the past two years, learners have successfully completed more than 8,100 PSC-funded course events on the CPKN portal. PSC funding has not only enhanced the range of bilingual training resources available to the sector, but has made those resources available to policing agencies if not for free, then at a fraction of the cost of traditional training.

"Furthermore, the cooperative nature of this project will continue to strengthen the network of stakeholders," continued Sweet. "It offers an opportunity for services, training organizations, and other policing agencies to contribute and share knowledge for the betterment of the Canadian public at large."

Based on input from the police community, the first courses in this bilingual series will include Seized Firearms Safety, Radar Recertification, Frontline Supervisor Training, and Stress Management for Officers. Further courses will also be based on priority needs determined in consultation with the sector.

"Canada's police forces are among the best in the world," concludes Gruson. "A progressive approach to training is a huge part of that and the PSC is very happy to fund an initiative that supports Canada's leadership role."

Pandemic Preparedness in the Workplace - June 18, 2009  

With nearly 30,000 confirmed cases of the H1N1 influenza reported in 74 countries, the World Health Organization raised the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6 last week. This indicates a flu pandemic is now in effect. While pharmaceutical and regulatory agencies work to produce and register a safe H1N1 flu vaccine, employing basic precautions to slow the spread of the virus is paramount.

Shortly after the emergence of the H1N1 flu in April, CPKN partnered with Respond Solutions Inc. to develop Infectious Disease and Pandemic Preparedness, an online course to provide individuals and organizations with essential information to understand how influenza viruses spread and to provide personal preparedness measures to help minimize the spread of infectious disease.

"In an organizational setting, ensuring personnel are informed on the facts of viral transmission can go a long way to minimizing the impact on individuals and the organization as a whole," says Dean DiMonte, Director of Respond Solutions Inc., a company that provides key leadership and implementation strategies in training and emergency management for private and public sectors of business and government . "Taking practical measures to curtail the spread of infectious agents are essential to protecting employee health, maintaining workplace productivity, and minimizing the overall impacts of a pandemic event."

The 30 minute Infectious Disease and Pandemic Preparedness course is designed to give the learner an overall awareness and understanding of influenza, infectious disease, and pandemic preparedness. In addition to reviewing the causes, methods of transmission, and impacts of influenza infections, this course describes personal preparedness techniques to help reduce the spread of infectious disease.

In accordance with CPKN's standard pricing model, this course is offered at $25 per learner, but tiered discounting and licensing options are available for volume purchases.

"Providing this type of training is a short term investment with long term returns," says DiMonte. "Apart from the obvious time and cost efficiencies, the online delivery option that enables employees to access the course from work, home, or anywhere in between is a serious advantage to organizational emergency planning strategies."

For more information and a full course description, please visit www.cpkn.ca/course_detail/pandemic_preparedness_e.html .

Nadine Sutcliffe Named ITAP Employee of the Year - June 11, 2009  

Nadine Sutcliffe, Vice President and Manager of Operations at CPKN, was presented with the Employee of the Year Award last night at the Innovation and Technology Association of PEI's Gala Awards Dinner.

Nominated for her outstanding work in advancing e-learning in the Canadian policing community, Nadine was one of several winners in categories that recognize successful Island IT companies.

"Nadine is a driving force behind the success of CPKN," says Sandy Sweet, company President. "While she balances a complex web of projects and initiatives, her exceptional way with people has been central to building a highly effective team and a highly valuable network of partners, contributors, and clients."

Nadine joined CPKN in 2006 and has played a pivotal role in building a national community of collaborators who are investing in, and realizing the benefits of, e-learning as a highly effective tool for police training. In a sector as traditional as law enforcement, this has not always been an easy road, but she has met, and worked through, the barriers and challenges with a pioneering spirit and undeniable enthusiasm.

"This award is a real surprise and honor," says Nadine. "And while I have been the lucky recipient of this award, you can be assured that the work that we do at CPKN is very much a team effort."

"We are very aware of the contribution that Nadine makes to our organization on a daily basis," says Sweet. "She is a valued member of our team and we welcome the opportunity to share our appreciation for her."

Now Available: Canadian Firearms Registry Online - June 5, 2009  

Canadian Firearms Registry Online: A Tool for Officer Safety is now available as a free learning and evaluation event at CPKN. Sponsored by the RCMP's Canadian Firearms Program, all police and law enforcement personnel have the opportunity to trial this course at no cost until August 31st.

This two hour course focuses on query processes within the CFRO system, the various statuses associated with firearms, licenses, and certificates, and, using scenario-based exercises, instructs learners on how to interpret query results. Development funding was provided by the Government of Canada's Sector Council Program.

On completion of the course, learners are asked to complete a brief online survey about their learning experience. This data is analyzed by CPKN and its collaborating agencies and used to continually improve e-learning offerings to the police community. All learner data is kept strictly anonymous. At this time, only the English language version of the course is available; the French version is expected to be released later this month.

For more information or to register, visit www.cpkn.ca/course_detail/cfro_e.html.

New Release: Infectious Disease and Pandemic Preparedness - May 22, 2009  

While the initial wave of the H1N1 influenza virus (Swine flu) appears to be waning, the potential for an outbreak of a new viral strain or other infectious agent remains a constant threat. Global traffic, which contributes to the rapid spread of disease, coupled with a lag time for the creation of vaccines, increases the potential of these types of infections to reach pandemic status. At that stage, these infections can not only cause serious illness or death among a significant portion of the population, but also cause considerable disruption to daily activities. During such events, appropriate infectious disease control measures and self preparedness techniques are key to minimizing impact.

In collaboration with Respond Solutions Inc., a company that provides customized training to help organizations effectively respond to and manage emergencies, CPKN has released Infectious Disease and Pandemic Preparedness. This 30 minute course is designed to provide learners with a greater understanding of influenza, infectious disease, and pandemic preparedness.

"This is knowledge that every person should have," says Dean DiMonte, Director of Respond Solutions Inc., the Content Provider for Infectious Disease and Pandemic Awareness. "Regardless of the type of work you do, this course provides basic information that can help protect you, your family, and your co-workers from contracting or spreading infectious disease agents."

Using a blend of text and video media, this course focuses on the causes, methods of transmission, and impacts of influenza infections. It also describes personal preparedness measures that help minimize the spread of infectious disease. In addition to a final assessment, the course features several practice activities which helps learners reinforce new information.

"We're very pleased to have the opportunity to work with CPKN on this initiative," continues DiMonte. "Online delivery will significantly increase our ability to reach audiences in Canada, and around the globe. In fact, we're hoping it reaches pandemic proportions - - an information pandemic, that is."

For a full course description of Infectious Disease and Pandemic Awareness, please visit www.cpkn.ca/course_detail/pandemic_preparedness_e.html .

NS Justice Rolls Out Mandatory EDP Training to Corrections Officers, Sheriffs - May 1, 2009  

More than 800 Nova Scotia correctional officers and sheriffs will be completing mandatory Recognition of Emotionally Disturbed Persons (REDP) training over the next three years. Beginning May 1st, NS Corrections Staff Training and Development in partnership with Sheriff Services will oversee the implementation of training rotations to ensure all sheriff and correctional services staff who deal with offenders receive this training through CPKN's online learning portal.

Based on recommendations from operational reviews and an organizational audit, Nova Scotia Corrections and Sheriff Services looked to the REDP course as a potential option for training on mental health issues.

"Given the prevalence of offenders with mental health disorders, ensuring our staff are properly informed and trained is a top priority," says Tim Arsenault, Manager of Policy and Programs for NS Corrections. "We found the REDP course not only instructive on pertinent issues, but also easy to understand and navigate. The fact that we'll also reduce training associated costs is just an added benefit."

While this is the Department's first foray into a broad-based online training program, it's probably not its last.

"The REDP initiative will be a benchmark to determine the efficacy of e-learning for its staff," says Arsenault. "We're already reviewing other CPKN offerings for their applicability to our divisions."

CFP to Fund National CFRO Learning and Evaluation Period - April 27, 2009  

The RCMP Canadian Firearms Program (CFP), formerly the Canada Firearms Centre, recently announced that it will be funding a preliminary delivery and evaluation period for a new Canadian Firearms Registry Online: A Tool for Officer Safety course. Following release of the course later this month, CFP will sponsor a four month learning period which will be free to all frontline police and law enforcement officers in Canada.

First launched in 1998, the Canadian Firearms Registry Online (CFRO) system provides officers with immediate access to firearms license and registration information. This better prepares officers for service calls involving, or potentially involving, firearms and significantly contributes to the safety of officers and the general public. CFRO is also critical to the investigation of firearm-related crimes and the identification of lost or stolen firearms. The system is accessed on average 9,400 times per day by policing agencies across the country.

In 2007, as part of an initiative to understand how CFRO could be improved to better assist police services and to identify training needs, CFP conducted a survey of police officers from across Canada. Results from that survey indicated that while general duty police officers value the information provided by CFRO and it has a significant impact on day to day operations, many officers who employ it have never had formal training in its use. While an officer may know how to query the system, they may not fully understand how to interpret the results, which could possibly lead to an inappropriate intervention.

"Police departments have dramatically increased their use of CFRO in recent years," says Jeff Brandt, Registrar of Firearms at CFP. "The challenge now is to ensure police officers have received the necessary training to correctly use CFRO query results to improve their own and public safety."

Based on that survey and its mandate to develop a formal training program for CFRO, CFP, in collaboration with CPKN, have now created a one hour online course that focuses on query processes within the CFRO system, the various statuses associated with firearms, licenses, and certificates, and, using scenario-based exercises, instructs learners on how to interpret query results. The design and development of this course was funded by the Police Sector Council and CFP will fund an initial learning and evaluation period where data on learner feedback, completion rates, learner satisfaction, and recommendations for course improvements will be gathered and assessed.

"Without online delivery, we would never be able to provide frontline officers with this training in such a timely and cost-effective way," continues Brandt. "As we explore new offerings for online training, the evaluations from this course will allow us to directly assess learner response and incorporate that input into future courses."

This is CFP's second online offering through CPKN. The first, Firearms Identification for Public Agents, was released in 2008 and has had tremendous response from the police and law enforcement communities. Other courses in Firearms Verification and Firearms Safety are scheduled for development later this year.

Missing Child Undergoes Rebuild - March 17, 2009  

CPKN's Missing Child First Responder course has recently undergone extensive updates to improve its functionality and navigability. Now delivered in a new interface, content is delivered in a more streamlined format, making it easier to read and work through practice activities and exam. As with all CPKN courses, Missing Child also undergoes regular content reviews to ensure all information is up-to-date and accurate.

First released in 2004 in collaboration with RCMP's National Missing Children Services and the Child Safety Research and Innovation Centre, this course provides officers with a better understanding of the different types of missing children, the risks they face, and the measures to help them. It also outlines the roles and responsibilities of First Responders and reviews the investigational procedures that must be followed when responding to a notification of a missing child.

Other courses that have recently undergone updates include Search and Seizure: Warrantless Authorities (new content and interface), National Sex Offender Registry/Registre national des délinquants sexuels (new interface and content updates), Recognition of Emotionally Disturbed Persons/Reconnaître une personne perturbée affectivement (updated content), and Suspect Apprehension Pursuits (new content and interface).

For more information on any of these or other CPKN courses, please visit the online catalogue to view the course descriptions and/or refer to available Course Training Standards documents.

Winnipeg Integrates EDP Online Training for CALEA Accreditation - March 3, 2009  

The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) recently announced that it will be using CPKN's Recognition of Emotionally Disturbed Persons to train hundreds of officers each year as a component of its accreditation with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).

Created to improve the delivery of public safety services, CALEA is a US-based organization that helps law enforcement agencies strengthen crime prevention and control capabilities and formalize management procedures through recognized best practices and standards within police services. WPS is one of fourteen agencies in Canada that has received CALEA accreditation and has maintained that accreditation since 1998.

Among the 462 standards set out by CALEA, compliance is required on several mandatory training exercises including firearms training, use of force, police vehicle operations, and ethics. More recently, mental health training was also added to its accreditation requirements. Now, CALEA-accredited services must provide officers with training on mental health issues at least once every three years.

While WPS added a mental health component to its training curriculum beginning with its 2004 recruits, in response to CALEA's new directive, it will now extend that training to all members.

"With more than 1300 sworn members, there are predictable challenges when delivering force-wide mandatory training," says Staff Sergeant Jernej Anderlic, WPS's Mental Health Liaison Officer. "While many of our recently hired officers have received extensive mental health training, there are many others, usually due to shift schedules, court appearances, or other time conflicts, who have not had that opportunity."

To address training for those officers, throughout 2009 and early 2010 WPS will offer one day (classroom) sessions for approximately 900 members. Remaining members who have already received training, including those hired since 2004, will use CPKN's online course. Following this initial cycle, all members will then participate in refresher training through CPKN once every three years.

This is not the first time WPS has integrated web-based solutions to deliver training. Among numerous other e-learning initiatives, WPS has conducted mandatory first aid training through CPKN since 2007. Given the success of that initiative, a similar approach using Recognition of Emotionally Disturbed Persons will not only provide officers with essential information, but also satisfy the CALEA accreditation requirement without major impacts on time requirements.

"The use of both classroom sessions and online courseware lends flexibility to our training schedule and will significantly increase our ability to deliver the training within prescribed timelines," says S/Sgt Anderlic. "We anticipate that more than 400 of our members will access the online course annually. We will also offer this training to our civilian personnel, such as call takers and dispatchers, who have regular contact with members of the public."

This initiative will begin in the spring of 2009, with the online component coming into effect in the fall.

New Learning Resource: Rail Incident Investigation - February 24, 2009  

Every year in Canada, approximately 370 collisions and trespassing incidents occur at highway/railway crossings and along the railway tracks and result in the death or serious injury of nearly 170 people. Though responding to rail incidents is not a common occurrence for police officers, when the call comes, it is important to know the best means of conducting a thorough investigation in a safe and timely manner.

Developed by Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Police, in cooperation with Transport Canada, the Canadian Rail Incident Investigation Guideline was created to provide police with a simple, effective tool that encompasses all of the major aspects of an on-site investigation. The Guideline is set out as a checklist of items outlining safety precautions that should be taken (both personal and public), who should be notified when an incident occurs, and how to proceed in a way that minimizes train delays and potential safety risks, without compromising the integrity of the investigation. The checklist contains generally accepted safety and police investigation practices that have been endorsed by Coroners, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, Canadian National, and Canadian Pacific.

For a full description or to register, please visit www.cpkn.ca/course_detail/rail_incident_e.html.

APA Integrates e-Learning into Cadet Training - February 3, 2009  

As the new year unfolds, the Atlantic Police Academy in Summerside, Prince Edward Island is venturing into new territory. Beginning in January, the APA integrated a new e-learning component into its cadet training curriculum. As one of six nationally recognized police training academies, the APA's thirty-five week Police Sciences program will train more than 80 cadets in the coming year for careers in police agencies across Canada. For the first time in the APA's history, cadets will now access five mandatory training courses in an online format.

"As the first regional police training facility in Canada to integrate e-learning into our cadet curriculum, the APA is very pleased to take the lead on this new learning approach," says Chief Edgar MacLeod, Executive Director of the APA. "We're confident that this initiative will enhance the cadet experience, providing them with better access to information, while allowing instructors to spend more time on other aspects of classroom and practical training sessions."

In preparation for this new learning approach, instructors at the APA worked with instructional designers at CPKN to assess the cadet training syllabus to determine which CPKN courses could be used to support existing classroom programming. Based on that review, APA selected several online programs from the CPKN catalogue to integrate into the program.

Under this new blended curriculum, cadets will now access CPIC Query/Narrative, Collision Investigation Level II, Basic Investigation Skills, and Recognition of Emotionally Disturbed Persons at various points throughout the program. Cadets will also be participating in the Aboriginal and First Nations Awareness free learning event.

"e-Learning is the new way to do business within Canada's policing sector," explains Eric Fiander, Deputy Director and Learning Manager at the APA. "And with more and more services adopting the technology for in-service training, we feel exposure to e-learning technologies at the cadet level will better prepare them for the continual training they will receive throughout their careers."

In addition to this initiative, APA subject matter experts are currently collaborating with CPKN on Coaching and Mentoring: The Field Trainer. This new online offering is expected to be released in late 2009.

CPKN Releases Results of FIPA Pilot - January 19, 2009  

CPKN recently released the results of the Firearms Identification for Public Agents pilot that was delivered between June 2 and November 30, 2008. Developed in collaboration with the RCMP's Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) and funded by the Government of Canada's Sector Council Program (through the Police Sector Council), this pilot successfully delivered training to 1928 individuals. This demonstrates a vast increase of 285.6% over the number of individuals who could be trained in the same period using CFP's classroom-based training, thus fulfilling a key objective of the pilot.

Pilot participants came from a broad range of police and law enforcement agencies including RCMP, municipal, provincial, and First Nations police services, border services, courts, military police, and government agencies and represented a diverse range of firearms identification experience within these agencies. Of those learners who successfully completed the course, 1755 (91%) completed the post-course survey. Highlighted results include:

• 93% of survey respondents achieved their learning objectives
• 89% of all respondents agreed/strongly agreed that they experienced an increase in knowledge and confidence when identifying firearms after completion of this course
• 90% of respondents agreed/strongly agreed that the course improved their understanding of the Firearms Reference Table
• 89% of respondents stated that they would recommend this course to a colleague
• 64% of respondents indicated they would be interested in taking advanced firearms identification and safety training programs

In addition to testing the effectiveness of the courseware, this pilot was a testing ground to examine larger questions surrounding online training. Overall, this pilot demonstrated several key points, including:

• Online delivery of this course will significantly improve CFP's ability to manage expected increases in training demands (due to new regulations within the Firearms Act)
• Learners reported a high level of satisfaction with this course showing that e-learning does represent a viable solution to enhancing and improving learner skill sets.
• Introduced and promoted e-learning to a wide range of law enforcement agencies across the country
• Expected to be a determining factor in those organizations incorporating more e-learning into their existing training curriculums.

For a copy of the full FIPA Pilot Evaluation Report, please contact Nadine Sutcliffe, CPKN Operations Manager, at nadine.sutcliffe@cpkn.ca or 902-629-4262.

Coming in January 2009: Police Ethics and Accountability - December 18, 2008  

In January, CPKN will release Police Ethics and Accountability, a core training course for any police or law enforcement officer. Developed in collaboration with the Justice Institute of British Columbia, this course will explore the complexities surrounding ethical decisions and dilemmas in policing.

It is understood within the policing community that the special powers granted to police officers are coupled with the public's expectations for very high ethical standards, both on and off-duty. And though deliberate acts of unethical police conduct are rare, police misconduct can occur in a variety of forms, including use of excessive force, improper conduct, acceptance of gratuities, and in some instances a criminal act. Police Ethics and Accountability focuses on ways to avoid improper and unethical conduct and will help officers avoid ethical pitfalls in their day to day duties.

This course is being developed through funding provided by the Government of Canada's Sector Council Program. Like previous courses in the Police Sector Council funded series, it will be offered free of charge during an introductory learning period (until April 30th). For full course details, please visit www.cpkn.ca/course_detail/police_ethics_e.html