Deputies undergo a 40-hour week of specialized training

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office deputies undergo a 40-hour week of specialized training.

 Members of the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office have been undergoing 40 hours of annual in-service training which includes various types of specialized instruction, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Lt. Raymond Theriot, right, gives Sgt. Jorge Vargas left a refresher lesson on how to properly clean a handgun.

In addition to successfully completing the mandatory training under Peace Officers Standards and Training, or P.O.S.T. school, all St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office deputies are required to undergo a full 40-hour week of training once a year that includes instruction in things such as firearms training and maintenance, armed intruder and building clearance, riot training, vehicle felony stops, vehicle driving, domestic violence, de-escalation training and CPR certification. They also are trained to administer Narcan, a medication used to block the effects of opioids, especially in overdose.

Sgt. David Culpepper, left, gives Dep. Dixie Dusang instruction on how to properly disassemble a handgun for cleaning.

According to Capt. Bobby Norton, the training is a requirement for deputies in all divisions – including patrol, traffic, corrections, communications, Special Investigations, Criminal Investigations, Special Operations, Marine, Special Weapons and Tactics team, or S.W.A.T. team, and the Bomb Squad.

Capt. Norton said the 40 hours of in-service training includes 20 hours which are mandated by the state, and an additional 20 hours which include “training in things that are important to us here in St. Bernard,” said Capt. Norton, who is assisted with training by Lt. Stephen Ingargiola, director of training, Lt. Raymond Theriot, deputy director of training, and Sgt. David Culpepper.

Sgt. David Culpepper, left, supervises deputies as they undergo firearms training.

Capt. Norton said receiving training for a consecutive 40-hour work week has proven to be beneficial.

“It lets the deputies focus solely on training and not have to worry about working a shift before or after,” he said. “It allows them the necessary time to better absorb and retain what they are being taught.”

In addition to the 40 hours, Capt. Norton said, deputies in each division also receive individualized training throughout the year that is pertinent to their specific job classifications.

For instance, members of the Special Operations Division, which includes SWAT, undergo response training for various types of armed intruder situations at numerous locations throughout the parish, including schools, businesses such as the movie theater, and government buildings such as the parish courthouse, government complex, and civic center.

Under the direction of Capt. Norton, and S.W.A.T. assistant commander Capt. Ronnie Martin,  SOD members run through various scenarios of how to best handle armed intruder situations.

Capt. Bobby Norton, right, gives deputies instruction during armed intruder training drills held recently at the St. Bernard Civic Center. Deputies undergo response training for various types of armed intruder situations at numerous locations throughout the parish, including schools, businesses such as the movie theater and government buildings such as the parish courthouse, government complex and civic center

“The goal is to familiarize ourselves with the layouts of various buildings throughout the parish to be as prepared as possible should something like this occur,” Capt. Norton said.

Another example of specialized instruction includes the Marine Division training year-round in watercraft on our parish waterways by partnering with Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries agents and the U.S. Coast Guard.

While everyone involved hopes these types of circumstances the deputies are being trained for never have to be dealt with in St. Bernard, Sheriff Pohlmann said his department always trains for the possibilities.

“It’s a question of being prepared in advance for what could happen while hoping it doesn’t happen,’’ the Sheriff said. “In today’s environment, it’s the preparation that’s the key.’’

“It is imperative we constantly provide our deputies with training opportunities often for the safety of the public, and also for our officers who could possibly be sent into these dangerous situations,” Sheriff Pohlmann said. “I’m proud of the work our department is doing in order to protect our parish.”

Sgt. Bryan Fleetwood gives a deputy a thumbs up on their response time during a training road course driving exercise.

Sgt. David Culpepper, left, and Lt. Stephen Ingargiola, supervise deputies as they undergo firearms training.