The Probation Certification Academy is a two-week training that probation officers are required to attend and successfully pass a written exam. The Officer Safety academies include Defensive Tactics, Firearms Training and Train the Trainer programs. Defensive Tactics includes a written exam with 40 multiple choice questions along with a practical exam to show competency in performing specific defensive tactics movements. The Firearms academy has a written exam of 40 multiple choice questions and officers must exhibit Firearms proficiency at the shooting range.

PROBATION ACADEMY CURRICULUM AND RULES

Training will occur in an academy format at least four times annually.

The curriculum will consist of core functional areas critical to the probation officer's ability to perform professionally on the job. Instruction will also include behavioral influencing, psychological and sociological patterns, with special emphasis on officer safety and professionalism in the field. A certification examination will be administered at the conclusion of Academy training and probation officers will be notified of pass/fail status within 30 days. The examination schedule will be established by the Arizona Supreme Court.

One hundred percent attendance at all training sessions is required and will be verified by daily sign-in sheets for each session. Homework assignments must be completed as directed. Any absences must be approved/excused by the Dean of the Academy or the Dean's designee. Actions to be taken regarding unexcused absences or lateness will be at the discretion of the Dean. Probation officers who miss 12 or more hours of training are required to reschedule attendance at a future Academy. Probation officers will conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times, following the guidelines set forth in the Participant Contract Agreement Form.

In the event a probation officer fails to achieve a passing score on the examination or is involuntarily removed from the Academy, the probation officer may request a review.

For more information about the Committee on Probation Education (COPE) please contact the Education Services Division at (602) 452-3060