For Immediate Release
By: Brandon Spragins, FLETC OPA
GLYNCO, GA - In a significant decision on March 28, 2024, during the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC), Curriculum Review Conference (CRC), the FLETC ascertained stakeholder’s approval for the proposed updates to the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP). Divisions will now work on updating of lesson plans, business rules, and resources to ensure the updated program’s preparedness and success. The CITP pilot program, containing all the new updates, is scheduled to start between October and December of this year. This move comes as part of FLETC's systematic approach to training, utilizing the FLETC instructional systems design. It is customary for FLETC to review each basic program every three years to ensure that training remains current and effective.
Between course scheduled reviews, FLETC staff work diligently to gather feedback from students, partners, and major stakeholders through surveys to identify trends in the curriculum and program. These trends highlight both the strengths of the program and areas that may need improvement to meet the high standards of training at FLETC.
CITP last underwent a CRC in 2021, as part of its regular review cycle. Since the program’s inception in 2000, CITP has been a flagship program at FLETC, with CRCs held every three years starting in 2003. The program equips individuals selected to be criminal investigators with the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities required in their first year on the job.
"As a CITP graduate from 2003, I'm honored to contribute to shaping the training of future criminal investigators. Our goal is to produce the best-trained investigators globally, ready to excel from Day 1. The program ensures students are equipped with cutting-edge skills to make a difference in law enforcement organizations," Training Management Division, Law Enforcement Program Specialist, Shawn Corcoran.
“Law enforcement agencies face a dynamic landscape, requiring investigators to adapt swiftly to emerging challenges. The effectiveness of criminal investigations hinges on the quality of training provided to investigators. Improved curriculum isn’t just about imparting knowledge; it’s about shaping investigators who grasp the nuances of their profession. By prioritizing evidence-based practices, process understanding, and holistic skills, we empower investigators to safeguard communities effectively,” said Training Management Division Chief, Cole Maxwell.
In response to the latest CRC process several updates were made to the CITP curriculum. These include the addition of cryptocurrency training, increased writing laboratories to enhance students' legal document authoring skills, as well as modules on body-worn camera awareness and crisis intervention for individuals in mental health crises. Further enhancements include single officer active threat response tactics, firearms training increase with sessions more evenly spaced throughout training to eliminate gaps in pistol practice, additional time to practice authoring warrants, grand jury subpoenas, and to allow for individual evaluation, and an increase in “wellness in Law Enforcement Culture” to increase officer awareness of the importance of a holistic approach to wellness.
The decision to incorporate these updates was based on feedback from partners and stakeholders who recognized the importance of ensuring that criminal investigators receive up-to-date instruction on the evolving landscape of criminal investigations within the Federal Law Enforcement community.
Overall, the approval of these updates represents FLETC's commitment to providing cutting-edge training for criminal investigators, preparing them to navigate the complexities of modern law enforcement effectively.
Federal organization personnel should contact their agency training officer to register for training, contact FLETC Admissions with any additional questions, or call (912) 267-3447. State, local, and tribal officers requesting training should register online. If organizational support is required or you have additional needs, please contact FLETC Admissions. International (non-US) personnel should email FLETC-intlrqst@fletc.dhs.gov.