Do you require officers to undergo training - including scenario-based training on at least a quarterly basis and involve the community - including youth of color – in its design and implementation?

The Cocoa Police Department and its officers received hundreds of hours of training each year. The subject matter includes, but is not limited to:

  • Racial Intelligence/Bias-free environment
  • State mandated racial bias and profiling education
  • Emotional de-escalation/autism awareness
  • Use of force and de-escalation scenario based training
  • Professional development (legal updates, public records, background investigations, report writing and more).

There are also strict requirements in place throughout the hiring process including, but not limited to, successful completion of the basic recruit academy, and FDLE state standardized law enforcement officer certification test.  Candidate must also pass a psychological exam, polygraph exam, extensive personal and professional background check including prior employment records. If hired, the candidate must complete extensive training involving more than 250 professional standards governing everything from the handling of property and evidence to internal affairs, training and recruitment, use of force, special operations and other critical areas.

Show All Answers

1. Is there a ban on the use of chokeholds and strangleholds?
2. Are there several steps in the de-escalation process?
3. Do you require your officers to warn before shooting?
4. Do you require that your officers exhaust all other means before resorting to shooting?
5. Do your officers have a duty to intervene when they see another officer mishandling a situation?
6. What are you actively doing and what policies do you have in place to stop collusion?
7. Are officers banned from shooting at moving vehicles?
8. Do your officers employ the use of Force Continuum?
9. Do you require comprehensive reporting?
10. Does your department participate in the use of no knock warrants?
11. Do you carry less-lethal weapons as a proven method to curb violent behavior by officers of the law?
12. Do you restrict SWAT teams use for emergency situations?
13. Do you require body worn cameras for police officers?
14. Do you require officers to undergo training - including scenario-based training on at least a quarterly basis and involve the community - including youth of color – in its design and implementation?
15. Do you ensure accountability through civilian oversight boards?
16. Do you have funds and resources allocated for community-based programs?