CDC Pulls "Puzzles" from IST "Training"
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May 3, 2005 - In the past couple of weeks the media has been buzzing about the complaint made by State Assembly Members, led by Assemblyman Rudy Bermudez, D-Norwalk, over "word jumble" puzzles that have been given to Correctional Officers over the years, labeled by CDC as a part of IST credits.
A Holiday version was used as an example, where officers were told to complete a word search containing such words as "elf," "Frosty" and "Santa Claus" in order to receive 1 hour of IST (In-service Training) credit. The CDC issued a statement that would immediately remove such puzzles from the IST program. Bermudez well stated what many officers have been complaining about for years, "The training they are providing is a mockery of what real training should be."
Lance Corcoran, Executive Vice President for CCPOA told the press that he remembered seeing similar word-search assignments when he worked at Susanville back in 1986. He said that the continued presence of the puzzles within the system represent a pattern of the state trying to save money by cutting back on hands-on training. "Training budgets are always under-funded," said Corcoran. "Not all of the tests are this ridiculous, but it's still a way they came up with of doing it cheaper."
Bermudez presented the Assembly with examples from various institutions:
Pelican Bay State Prison - "Christmas Word Search" - Officers were told that if they turned in the In-Service Training assignment by December 31, 2004, they would receive 1 hour of OJT credit for finding words such as "candy cane" "sugar plums" and "vixen."
Deuel Vocational Institution (Tracy) - "Super Bowl Word Search" - Officers were told they would receive 1 hour of IST/OJT credit for turning in a puzzle with the words "Packers," "Fortyniners," "Patriots" and other hidden NFL names.
CIM (Chino) - "Job Related Vocabulary" - Officers were given this puzzle that contained words such as "authorized," "blades," "identification," "syringes" and "warehouse" with their training booklet, however a Chino spokesman denies that credit was given for it.
The BU6 MOU states that 40 hours of off-site training and 12 hours of OJT (on-the-job) training is required for subjects such as prisoner-escort techniques, firearm use and evidence gathering. However, with the exception of the requirement for 2 hours of annual training with side-handled batons, the contract does not specify how much time should be allotted to the other subjects. Unfortunately, this "vagueness" has given CDC the freedom to "go cheap" on training that would be beneficial to the safety of both officers and inmates.
Not only is the idea of giving Correctional Peace Officers children's "brain teasers" as a part of their OJT/IST training demeaning and insulting, it is also a potentially dangerous practice as well. Continued training is something that is important to any law enforcement department, and is essential in a state prison setting. Correctional Officers should thank Rudy Bermudez for stepping in and stopping this word puzzle policy. Hopefully, with the media, public and State Assembly watching, the Department of Corrections will put a little more thought into what they're doing before new assignments are given.
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