The Office of Transit Police and Security has established training goals and objectives to instill in sworn police officers and civilian employees the transit service functions for ridership safety and the concepts and role requirements of "Peace Officers" within the tri-state Transit Zone.
The training objectives of the Police Department are:
Upon eligibility via compliance with the tri-state selection standards required for probationary police officer candidates, Metro Transit Police probationary officers attend and receive:
The curriculum of the basic officer training meets or exceeds the mandated police training standards required by the State of Maryland, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the District of Columbia. The methods of instruction include classroom lectures, films, visual aid slides, tapes, field trips, take home workbook, report writing assignments, and academic and performance based tests. Metro Transit Police probationary officers receive a total of 1,196 hours of academic and performance-based training at entry-level and 10 additional weeks of field training with experienced Metro Transit Police Officers prior to being assigned to individual patrol assignments.
The Maryland Police Training Commission requires that each officer and sergeant receive 18 hours of approved training yearly for three consecutive years to recertify. Virginia's Department of Criminal Justice Services requires 40 hours of approved training and eight hours of legal instruction every two years to recertify. Members are responsible for scheduling training that meets their mandates.
All DCJS classes offered by the NVCJA have been pre-approved for credit by the MPCTC. Maryland also requires a written examination at the conclusion of each class. The minimum passing score is 70%. Staff Instructors administer tests to MTPD members taking courses at the Academy. Classes offered by the Training Division are pre-approved and certified by both Commissions. Firearms competency instruction is held in one-day sessions. Officials with the rank of Lieutenant and above are required by the DCJS to attend 40 hours of approved training every two years. Maryland has no requirement.
The development of a police officer's career is a mutual process. The Department will continue to offer specific professional training in areas that are job-specific and mission-oriented. The Transit Police Officer, on the other hand, will be encouraged to take charge of his or her own career path by attending voluntary, career-guided educational endeavors on their off-duty time. The Department will actively promote Metro's Tuition Reimbursement program because a better-educated and more-adaptable officer will positively influence the surrounding workforce and community.
Training in the special ranges of police work demands a specific, technical, hands-on application of practical skills. The Department will continue to develop and implement programs that are both mentally and physically challenging. Motorcycle, Canine, Crime Scene Search, Bicycle, and other special training will be coordinated by the Training Division, allowing full control and administration of all training and to insure the highest standard. The Department will continue to offer specific outside agency training as needed. To maintain its place in the forefront of service excellence and technological advancement, Metro's employees must be highly trained. All Metro personnel are encouraged to select from nearly 200 in-house training courses. Some are specific to certain departments of jobs; but many classes are open to all employees.