Napa Valley College

Criminal Justice Training Center

CJTC Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes for May 26, 2011

Attendance

Name (Listed Alphabetically): Agency

Lieutenant Steve Blower Napa County Sheriff

Chief Jean Donaldson American Canyon Police Department

Chief Michael Donovan Napa County District Attorney Investigations

Senior Investigator Mike Frey Napa County District Attorney Investigations

Chief Rich Melton Napa Police Department

Lieutenant Frank Mihelich Fairfield Police Department

Director Damien Sandoval Napa Valley College CJTC

Called to order at 1335 hours by Chief Melton.

INTRODUCTIONS Chief Melton

All members introduced themselves. The newest member, Chief Mike Donovan of the

Napa County District Attorney’s Office of Investigations was introduced to the group.

MINUTES Chief Melton Chief Melton confirmed committee members had reviewed the September 2010 meeting

minutes. Don Mort motioned to approve the minutes. Damien Sandoval seconded the

motion. The committee unanimously approved the minutes.

PROGRAM REVIEWS

BASIC ACADEMY Don Mort Two Basic police academies are still in session.

Class #81 started on September 11, 2010, and will graduate in September 10, 2011. There

are 31 students in this class.

Class #82 started on January 8, 2011 and will graduate on June 11, 2011. There are 18

students in this class. There are quality candidates getting ready to enter the job market

on that date!

IN-SERVICE TRAINING Damien Sandoval We are graduating the Basic FTO course, the Dispatch Course and the corrections

academy on Friday, May 27, 2011.

The CJTC put together several course certifications so far this year. We held an array of

courses and area agencies utilized our services to certify additional presentations for their

departments. John Nunez continues to support development and presentation of in-

service courses.

The CJTC is moving toward fee-based training courses as a response to the limited

number of credit hours available. More information will be coming out regarding courses

to be offered.

If your agency wishes to certify a course for presentation, know that are here to meet with

any training managers with questions or concerns. We can help you design and

implement training that can assist you in providing certified POST training.

BASIC COURSE CURRICULUM REVIEW Damien Sandoval

POST completed the three day course review on May 25, 2011. Official results are

forthcoming. The initial feedback was very positive and supportive of the Basic Course

program administration and delivery. The completed report will be distributed to the

advisory committee.

The Core Values Competency Examination has been piloted with two academy classes.

The examination requires cadets to put in writing, their knowledge of the Law

Enforcement Code of Ethics, and respond to scenario-based questions surrounding ethical

dilemmas. At the September 2010, meeting the Advisory Committee authorized the

continuation of the written test, and asked to review the test at this meeting.

Damien requested a vote to support the permanent use of the Core Values Competency

Examination. A motion was made, the motion carried and the advisory committee

unanimously voted to install the Core Values Competency Examination.

ROUNDTABLE REPORTS

Chief Rich Melton – Chief Melton shared information on “The Harvard Papers” which

discussed nationalized standards for law enforcement training. While new to the

discussion of training, there may be an emerging discussion evaluating the veracity of the

application of a nationalized training standard for the nations law enforcement

professionals.

Lieutenant Steve Blower –The Department of Corrections has one student in the

corrections class. He will graduate on May 27, 2011. Lt. Blower will administer the

Code of Ethics at the Graduation Ceremony.

Leadership issues continue to be evaluated at in the Napa County Department of

Corrections. Updated and increased training events are improving morale. Supervisors

are now teaching subordinates in a variety of topical areas.

Lt. Blower and John Nunez are looking to develop 8 hour classes for updated training.

Lt. Blower asked about the administration of an entry-level PT test for corrections

personnel. Damien will ask John Nunez to look into this issue.

Lieutenant Frank Mihelich – The Fairfield Police Department continues to replace

retiring personnel. The Corporal rank is being eliminated. Field Training Officers will

now receive “training” pay only when they have trainees assigned to them.

Officer Cade Beckwith will be assigned to the training division in the near future.

Chief Jean Donaldson – The Napa Sheriff’s will hire two more deputies soon. Cadet

Van Dyke, a Napa County Sheriff’s Office trainee, will graduate from the Basic Course

in June, and will be assigned to training.

Senior Investigator Mike Frey – Mike introduced the new Chief of the Napa County

District Attorney’s Office, Mike Donovan. Rick Garcia will take over Environmental

and Consumer Fraud investigations. Andy Lewis will be assigned Insurance Fraud

investigations.

Chief Mike Donovan – Chief Donovan introduced himself to the committee and shared

some of his extensive investigations experience from southern California. Mike

expressed his appreciation for the assistance he has received in becoming acquainted with

the area. He looks forward to working with his allies in the region. The advisory

committee welcomed Mike to the group.

NEXT MEETING DATE: September 29, 2011 at 1330 hours

NEXT MEETING LOCATION: Criminal Justice Training Center Conference Room

Minutes: Damien Sandoval