Senate Bill 978

1. Overview

Commencing January 1, 2020, Senate Bill 978 requires law enforcement agencies to "conspicuously post on their Internet Web sites" all "current standards, policies, practices, operating procedures, and education and training materials" that would otherwise be available to the public if a request was made pursuant to the California Public Records Act (PRA).

Below, you will find links to documents in compliance with Senate Bill 978. You will also find other documents related to professional accountability within in our organization as part of our continued effort to remain truly transparent and open.

Racial and Cultural Diversity; Racial Profiling Compliance

In 2018 our department underwent a 4-hour training presented by the Museum of Tolerance that satisfied PC 13519.4. The training satisfied the required racial profiling update.  The course provided students with an updated and enhanced understanding of racial profiling. The course utilized videos and interactive activity to further explore: Racial Profiling, Legal Considerations, History of Civil Rights, Community Considerations and Ethical Considerations. 

The department is continuously undergoing Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) mandated perishable skills training, which includes: Tactical Communication, Domestic Violence, Drivers Training, Arrest and Control, and Force Options. This training requires the officer to use de-escalation tactics, command presence and other valuable perishable skills to resolve the various situations when presented in different scenarios. The goal of this training is to increase safety for both the officer and the public, reduce conflict, and help develop stronger relationships with community. This training course meets POST Regulation 1005(d)(4)(B). 

In 2021, all sworn officers underwent a 4-hour Implicit Bias and Racial Profiling course made up of facilitated discussions and student-centered learning activities that allow attendees to safely understand their own biases with a scientific approach. Officers leave with the knowledge and skills to recognize their own implicit biases and how to mitigate them and prevent racially based policing practices. 

Additionally, in September 2023, all department personnel underwent an 8-hour Procedural Justice/Principle Policing Training. This training consists of four tenets that focus on an officer's approach to policing. These include being fair in processes, being transparent in actions, providing opportunity for voice, and being impartial in decision making. Within the training, the officers also learn skills that emphasize respect, listening, neutrality and trust. 


3. Weapons Proficiency Training

All CCPD personnel who carry a firearm are required to successfully complete training with their duty firearms to include the pistol, rifle, and shotgun platforms. Training includes drills and instruction in safe firearm handling procedures, a working knowledge of nomenclature and basic field maintenance, and marksmanship. During marksmanship training, Officers conduct drills relating to target and threat identification, clearing malfunctions, moving to tactically advantageous positions, and transitioning from one weapon system to another.

All Officers qualify with their duty firearms at least twice annually, totaling six qualification courses a year (twice with the handgun, twice with the rifle, and twice with the shotgun). Annual firearms training courses are designed to prepare Officers to respond appropriately to a wide variety of field situations.

Any questions regarding CCPD firearms training can be directed to our Department Rangemaster at (310) 253-6126.

6. Patrol Scenario Training

CCPD patrol officers are put through different training scenarios that enhance our officer's knowledge of proper tactics, current changes in law and best practices. Each month, officers undergo a training situation that focuses on a different aspect of police investigations, these can include contacting community members, criminal investigations, response to critical incidents, etc. Training scenarios allow officers to safely test their abilities and equipment as required by policy and under the supervision of supervisors.

7. Arrest and Control Training 

Every two years, Culver City Police Officers participate in a Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) mandatory arrest and control training. The topics covered are Policies, Legal Standards, Report Writing, Use of Force considerations, De-escalation/Verbal commands, Search, Equipment, Subject's Actions and Officer's response to force, Control Techniques, Class exercises/Student Evaluation/Testing and Recovery/First Aid. After completion of the training, Officers demonstrate knowledge of their individual department Use of Force Policy and current case law, demonstrate knowledge of the importance of mental and physical conditioning as it relates to effective arrest and control techniques, and demonstrate a minimum standard of arrest and control skills with every technique and exercise. These exercises include but are not limited to: Judgment and Decision-Making, Officer Safety, Searching/Handcuffing Techniques, Control Holds, Effectiveness Under Stress Conditions and more. 

Each instructor of the Arrest and Control Team undergoes an Integrating Communications Assessment and Tactics (ICAT) Course provided by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF). ICAT Training is rooted in critical decision making to help officers assess situations involving subjects who are unarmed or armed with a weapon other than a firearm, to make safe and effective decisions as well as documenting and learning from these actions. 

8. CPR and BBP Training

Every two years, Culver City Police Department personnel participate in a California Code of Regulations (CCR) mandatory CPR and BBP Training. Personnel must provide satisfactory completion of periodic refresher training or appropriate testing in CPR and other first aid prescribed by EMSA.