Professionalism

Performance Outcome 1.1

Maintain a professional appearance with respect to clothing, grooming and equipment.

Training Objectives Related to 1.1.

1. Given a practical exercise, the trainee will be inspected to meet academy standards for clothing, grooming and equipment.

Criteria: The trainee shall be tested on the following:

1.1.1. Professional appearance for an officer regarding clothing and grooming.

1.1.2. Professional appearance for an officer’s personal equipment.

Lesson Plan Guide: The lesson plan shall include the following:

1. Professional appearance for an officer regarding clothing and grooming.

2. Professional appearance for an officer regarding personal equipment.

3. The importance to public perception of professionalism by presenting a well groomed appearance for clothing and equipment.

4. The importance of establishing departmental esprit de corps by presenting a well-groomed appearance.

Performance Outcome 1.2.

Behave in a fair, positive and courteous manner with the public to develop a trust relationship and positive community relationship.

Training Objectives Related to 1.2.

1. Given a written exercise, identify the impact that common courtesy may have regarding the relationship between the sheriff’s office and the community.

2. Identify the requirements for professionalism that impact the deputy’s knowledge, skill and ability to behave in a fair and positive manner.

Criteria: The trainee shall be tested on the following:

1.2.1. Reasons to foster a positive relationship between the sheriff’s office and the public.

1.2.2. Principles that define a profession and professionalism in court security operations.

1.2.3. Three elements of the criminal justice system:

1.2.3.1. Courts

1.2.3.1.1  Describe the Virginia Court System

1.2.3.1.2.  Juries:

1.2.3.1.2.1.  Definition of a petit jury, grand jury, special grand jury and multi-jurisdictional grand jury.

1.2.3.1.2.2.  Qualifications to serve as a juror

1.2.3.1.2.3.  Process for selecting potential jurors

1.2.3.1.2.4.  Preparing the list of jurors to be summoned

1.2.3.1.3. Describe the Federal Court System

1.2.3.2.  Law Enforcement:

1.2.3.2.1.  Describe the functions of the office of Sheriff

1.2.3.2.2. Describe the functions of the local police

1.2.3.2.3.  Describe the functions of the state police

1.2.3.2.4.  Describe the functions of other law enforcement agencies

1.2.3.3. Corrections:

1.2.3.3.1.  Define and describe a local correctional facility.

1.2.3.3.2.  Define a state correctional facility.

1.2.3.3.3.  Explain the similarities and differences between state and local corrections.

1.2.3.3.4.  Explain the relationship between state and local corrections.

1.2.4. The place of courts and criminal justice in the structure of government.

1.2.5. The role of ethics:

1.2.5.1. General principles of ethics

1.2.5.2. Code of Ethics:

1.2.5.2.1. Deputy behavior

1.2.5.2.2.  Deputy dedication

1.2.5.2.3. Career development

1.2.6. Methods of handling violations of professional, ethical, or legal standards of conduct on the part of fellow deputies.

1.2.7. Positive and negative aspects of discretionary enforcement of laws, policies, and procedures.

1.2.8. Positive and negative influences of a criminal justice career on a deputy’s personal life.

Lesson Plan Guide: The lesson plan shall include the following:

1. Reasons to foster a positive relationship between the deputy and the public.

a. Develop and maintain open communications between the sheriff’s office and the community.

b. Reduce fear and mistrust by some members of the public, especially recent immigrants whose experience law enforcement officials in other countries has been negative.

c. Enhance the deputy’s ability to function as effectively as possible in carrying out their daily duties.

d. Others as may be identified and discussed.

2. Consequences that may result from a failure of common courtesy:

a. Negative attitudes toward deputies in general may develop from the actions of one deputy.

b. The deputy’s ability to function effectively in carrying out daily duties will diminish should the deputy become known as lacking in common courtesy and respect.

c. Others as may be identified.

3. Identify principles that define a profession and professionalism in court security.

a.  Ensure the safety and integrity of the judicial system and all participants.

b.  Pro-actively address threats/potential threats directed at the court.

4. Identify the three elements of the criminal justice system:

a. Courts:

1. Federal system:

a. U. S. District Court

b. U. S. Court of Appeals for the # Circuit (example: U. S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit – Virginia is in this circuit)

c. U.S. Supreme Court

2. State system:

a. Magistrates

b. General District Courts

c. Circuit Courts

d. Virginia Court of Appeals

e. Virginia Supreme Court

b. Law Enforcement:

1. Federal officers (in general)

2. Sheriffs

3. Police (local and state)

4. Other law enforcement agents

c. Corrections:

1. Local corrections (jails, detention facilities) 

2. State corrections

5. Identify the place of courts in the structure of government.

6. Define the role of ethics in criminal justice:

a. Identify two general principles of ethics that may assist an deputy in making ethical judgments.

b. Review the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics and its impact on the following:

1.  Deputy behavior on duty:

a. Reverence for the law

b. Crime prevention/prevention of rules infractions

c. Respect for the public

d. Impartial enforcement of rules and regulations

e. Attempt to use minimum force necessary to effect an arrest or restrain an inmate

f. Report only the truth

g. Testify only the truth

h. Never use public office for private gain

i. Strive to perform at maximum efficiency

j. Never misuse resources or confidential information

2. Deputy behavior off-duty:

a. Practice good citizenship, i.e., youth volunteer work, assist neighbors, be active in schools, etc.

b. Maintain self-control, fair play and discipline in such areas as avoiding disputes, excessive use of alcohol, prejudicial conduct or interaction with people of different ethnic, religious, sexual and similar preferences, illegal gambling and others that may be identified.

3. Deputy dedication:

a. Self (taking care of you will help you care for others)

b. Family

c. Office

d. Community

e. State

f. Country

4. Career development:

a. In-service training and specialized training programs and courses

b. Resources for individual efforts:

1. Reading professional material related to the job

2. Seeking out other criminal justice training

3. Using educational resources such as college courses

4. Others that may be identified

c. Provide copies of the Code of Ethics for signature by trainees.

7. Identify methods of handling violations of professional, ethical or legal standards of conduct on the part of fellow deputies.

8. Identify the positive and negative aspects of discretionary enforcement of laws:

a. Positive aspect:  Citizens realize they cannot manipulate a deputy.

b. Negative aspect:  Citizens may react negatively upon receipt of court orders.

9. Identify positive and negative influences of a criminal justice career on a deputy’s personal life.

a. Positive influences include, but are not limited to:

1. Providing a role model to citizens, especially children

2. Saving lives

3. Preventing crime

4. Safeguarding the principles of our nation as noted in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights

5. Others as may be identified

b. Negative influences include, but are not limited to:

1. Constantly facing the possibility of death or serious injury

2. Divorce or strains on family relationships

3. Alcoholism

4. Mental health problems ranging from chronic stress to depression with the possibility of suicide

5. Others as may be identified

c. Bias:

1. Define bias

2. Define discrimination

3. Identify consequences of bias based jail, court or civil process operations.

4. Identify consequences of impartial enforcement of jail, court, or civil process service rules.

5. Identify methods that a deputy may use to prevent bias from determining a court security intervention.