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Hundreds of Oklahoma officers face suspension with training deadline looming
Less than a month away from deadline, hundreds of law enforcement officers across the state may be up for suspension Jan. 1 if officials do not receive documentation they have received special training required by a law passed several years ago.
Whereas a Wii game may teach someone to master the Super Mario Brothers quest to rescue Princess Peach, the Santa Clara County-based creators of a new interactive video simulation hope it will teach officers how to deal with the mentally ill in a way that neither the officer nor the person ends up hurt — or worse.
This is no game.
On the video screen a fraught father watches as his mentally ill young son, off his medication and convinced police are secretly monitoring his every move, lurches unsteadily from a lawn chair to loudly confront an officer.
What happens next? Does the young man end up arrested, in a psychiatric hospital? Does he end up dead?
The different answers to that question have been electronically built into a new and nationally unique interactive video simulation program created for law enforcement by the county mental health department and unveiled at a presentation Friday.
As the officers react to the scenarios — a veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder scaring people in a park, a girl making suicidal posts on Facebook and others — the realities change, prompted by a trainer at a computer behind the scenes. Afterward the officers and their trainers discuss what happened and what didnt. The key, the programs creators say, is to defuse the situation and avoid violence.
We are going to save lives with this, promised Patrick Dwyer, a retired Palo Alto police chief who now serves as the countys mental health liaison with law enforcement and helped create the program.
In hopes of that, agencies are lining up to include the video simulations into their officers training programs. The Palo Alto Police Department will be the first. The Santa Clara County Sheriffs department and San Jose police are expected to join.
Its a problematic issue that touches on police use of force, costly litigation and the humane treatment of the mentally ill. In Fullerton, two police officers are facing criminal charges for allegedly beating to death an unarmed mentally ill homeless man this summer. San Jose police have come under heavy scrutiny after officers shot and killed several mentally ill people in recent years, including a man in the foothills who told police he didnt believe they had bullets in their guns. In a different case in 2009, officers responding to Daniel Phams knife attack on his brother shot the mentally ill man in his back yard, leading to community protests.
Dwyer declined to say if he thinks the newly enhanced training would have saved the lives in those cases.
But he said that law enforcement agencies clearly need to augment and add to their training on how to deal with the mentally ill.
According to Dwyer, 10 percent to 15 percent of a police officers time is spent dealing with mentally ill people having a crisis, but the average amount of training time for many of those officers adds up to only a tiny fraction of their instruction.
Retired San Jose Police Sgt. Dave Newman played out the scenarios, calmly talking to the video screen at the sheriffs training center, reassuring the sims that he was there to help them, not hurt them.
No laser guns were drawn, no shots were fired as is usually found in the Shoot/Dont Shoot scenarios in the force options simulation videos used by law enforcement. These videos all end happily.
Senate President pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, said he was impressed at the video and other innovations aimed at reducing both the injuries to the mentally ill, but also unnecessary incarceration and stigma. Steinberg was a co-author of the Mental Health Act of 2004, which has increased funding, personnel and other resources to support county mental health programs.
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TJ Walker is the founder and managing editor of Daily National (www.dailynational.com), he is also the CEO of Media Training Worldwide (www.mediatrainingworldwide.com), a leading media and presentation training firm. For the last 25 years he has trained CEOs, Prime Ministers, Presidents of countries, Nobel Peace Prize winners, US Senators, Members of Parliament and Miss Universes how to communicate more effectively.
In 2010, Walker created TJWalker Interactive (www.TJWalker.com), a communication news/analysis site that features daily text, video and audio on top stories of the day.
Walker is also the author of “TJ Walker’s Secret to Foolproof Presentations,” a #1 USA Today Bestseller, and a Wall Street Journal and Business week Bestseller.
In 2009, Walker set the Guinness Book of World Records for most talk show appearances ever in a 24 hour period.
Based, in New York City, Walker trains and gives speeches all over the world.
Law enforcement officers in Alabama, like these at a protest in Montgomery on Nov. 1, will receive training on how to enforce the states new immigration law. (The Associated Press/Dave Martin)
Whether it is a fledgling robin that the family cat has found or a tiny fawn that has fallen into the swimming pool, more and more New Jersey residents are interacting with wildlife in their daily activities.
Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg will offer a five-day course, the Basic Training Course for Wildlife Rehabilitation, from 9 am to 5 pm daily from Jan. 9 to 13. Approved by the New Jersey Division of Fish Wildlife, this course is part of an alternative route program to meet New Jersey State licensing requirements for wildlife rehabilitators.
The Basic Training Course for Wildlife Rehabilitation focuses on the skill sets necessary to become a successful wildlife rehabilitator. This course offers information and professional training on wildlife rehabilitation provided by some of the most knowledgeable instructors in the field of wildlife rehabilitation. It includes history, licensing requirements and regulations, mammal, bird and reptile species identification and anatomy, proper handling, care and nutrition, medical procedures, and more.
In addition to persons interested in becoming licensed wildlife rehabilitators, this course may benefit currently licensed rehabilitators wishing to add new species to their permit and anyone who is interested in gaining knowledge about native New Jersey wildlife.
Registration will be through Raritan Valley Community College at 908-218-8871. There is no requirement for prior experience or training to attend this course.
Contact the Career Development Institute with any additional course content or certification questions at 732-821-6997.
Faculty biographies, course schedule and additional information is available at www.cditraining.org
By MICHAEL GORMLEY, Associated Press
ALBANY, NY — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Sunday proposed a major economic development package that would expand gaming, which could mean a Catskills casino, establish a new infrastructure repair fund, provide more tax credits for job growth and create a job-training program.
The extensive proposal released to The Associated Press and to newspapers statewide as an opinion column is Cuomos response to an unexpected $350 million deficit this year and a projected $3.5 billion deficit in the 2010-13 fiscal year.
Cuomo calls for comprehensive reform of our tax code to promote investment in jobs in New York. He doesnt mention raising taxes or adjusting the tax code to raise taxes for wealthier New Yorkers. Democrats in the Assembly and Senate continue to push for a higher tax on wealthier New Yorkers to address the deficits without further cuts to education and health and social programs.
Cuomo, a Democrat, led the Legislature to address a $10 billion deficit in April with a state budget that included a rare cut in spending.
His plan could be presented in a special session of the Legislature to be held as early as this week, or it could be a centerpiece of his second year in office beginning in January.
We should pursue a comprehensive gaming plan — recognizing the reality that New York is already in the gaming business, Cuomo said. He called for the creation of destination gaming locations, which in past proposals from Albany has included the Catskills, once home to a flourishing resort industry.
During the NBA lockout, Indiana Pacers Roy Hibbert took in some time to head to San Antonio and workout and learn from San Antonio Spurs Tim Duncan. It was sure a great learning experience for Hibbert and more importantly, good news for the Pacers coaching staff.
Last week, Hibbert made his way back to the Pacers gym and spoke on his lockout training with Duncan.
Seriously, he taught me a lot of things just in terms of things Im not comfortable with. Like turning and facing and shooting off the glass and just working on things that are out of my comfort zone.
I mean hes one of the most fundamentally sound big men. Ive looked up to him since I was in high school. He was athletic but hes not one of those super-athletic big guys who jumps over you. He actually puts a lot of care into the moves and his footwork. I respect that.
Talk about coming into training camp with pointers from Duncan. Im sure head coach Frank Vogel will be waiting in anticipation to see what Hibbert learned.
Hibbert should benefit greatly from TDs teachings and any young NBA big man could also stand to learn from The Big Fundamental. Aside from the bank-shot and footwork, Duncan also has shown how important it is to be a team player and sacrifice for the benefit of the team. As much as any big man would like to learn TDs on-the-court moves, learning how to be a team-first player might be the biggest teaching he can give.
And as this might be the final season Duncan plays, he is sure leaving a lasting legacy which will live on with Hibbert and any other player who seeks TDs teachings.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, December 05, 2011 –(PR.com)– Just in time to fight the holiday bulge, the National Exercise amp; Sports Trainers Association (NESTA) updated, upgraded and re-launched its www.nestacertified.com website to include more options and programs for fitness professionals around the world.
The new NESTA site provides information on personal training programs, continuing education credits, live events, resources for fitness pros and more. In addition, www.nestacertified.com is currently highlighting a special for new members: join for free and enjoy a 10 percent discount on any NESTA program.
We upgraded our website based on the feedback from our growing NESTA member base, said John Spencer Ellis, founder of NESTA and John Spencer Ellis Enterprises, a leading national fitness and personal development solutions company. To make the site more user-friendly and useful to our members, we focused on ease of use, enhanced support features and highlighting the programs that personal trainers and fitness pros look to every day for their continuing education in the fitness industry.
All of the trainings available at the NESTA site are 100 percent online and self-paced. In addition, every NESTA training program includes business advice on establishing, marketing and succeeding in the fitness industry, whether its one-on-one training or group coaching, at-home or in the gym. Certifications include mixed martial arts training, triathlon coaching, heart rate performance specialist, sports nutrition specialist, sport yoga instructor and many more.
In a nutshell, we want to make it a little easier for fitness professionals to get the information and training they need, so that they can establish successful fitness businesses and practices, which more and more people will be looking for in the new year as they make healthy, fitness-focused resolutions, added Ellis.
About NESTA
Since 1992, the National Exercise amp; Sports Trainers Association (NESTA) has been a leader in innovative solutions for fitness, nutrition and wellness professionals, as well as club owners. Founded by John Spencer Ellis, NESTA now has more than 55,000 members in 55 countries, and it is one of the largest fitness associations in the world, as well as the fastest growing association of its kind in the United States. For more information on NESTA or any of its online certification programs, please visit http://www.nestacertified.com/
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White Sox pitchers and catchers report to manager Robin Venturas first spring training on Feb. 23, and the Sox open their game schedule on March 5 as the home team against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz., the team announced Monday.
The Sox play 16 home games in Glendale, including one against the Cubs on March 9. The Sox play the Cubs in Mesa on March 18.
The Sox exhibition schedule concludes with two games against the Astros at Houstons Minute Maid Park on April 3 and 4. Their season opener is April 6 against the AL champion Rangers in Arlington, Texas. The Sox home opener is April 13 against the Detroit Tigers.
All White Sox spring training information and ticket information is available at whitesox.com/spring.
Monday March 5 LA DODGERS GLENDALE 1:05 pm
Tuesday March 6 LA Angels Tempe 1:05 pm
Wednesday March 7 MILWAUKEE GLENDALE 1:05 pm
Thursday March 8 Texas Surprise 1:05 pm
Friday March 9 CUBS GLENDALE 1:05 pm
Saturday March 10 TEXAS (ss) GLENDALE 1:05 pm
LA DODGERS (ss) GLENDALE 7:05 pm
Sunday March 11 Colorado Salt River Fields 1:10 pm
Monday March 12 OAKLAND GLENDALE 1:05 pm
Tuesday March 13 San Diego Peoria 1:05 pm
Wednesday March 14 LA ANGELS GLENDALE 1:05 pm
Thursday March 15 Cleveland Goodyear 1:05 pm
Friday March 16 Arizona Salt River Fields 1:10 pm
Saturday March 17 SEATTLE GLENDALE 1:05 pm
Sunday March 18 Cubs Mesa 1:05 pm
Monday March 19 CINCINNATI GLENDALE 1:05 pm
Tuesday March 20 OFF DAY
Wednesday March 21 Seattle Peoria 1:05 pm
Thursday March 22 KANSAS CITY GLENDALE 1:05 pm
Friday March 23 ARIZONA GLENDALE 7:05 pm
Saturday March 24 Milwaukee Maryvale 1:05 pm
Sunday March 25 SAN FRANCISCO GLENDALE 1:05 pm
Monday March 26 LA Dodgers Glendale 1:05 pm
Tuesday March 27 CLEVELAND GLENDALE 1:05 pm
Wednesday March 28 SAN DIEGO (ss) GLENDALE 1:05 pm
Colorado (ss) Salt River Fields 1:10 pm
Thursday March 29 LA Dodgers Glendale 1:05 pm
Friday March 30 Kansas City Surprise 6:05 pm
Saturday March 31 COLORADO GLENDALE 1:05 pm
Sunday April 1 Cincinnati Goodyear 1:05 pm
Monday April 2 MILWAUKEE GLENDALE 12:05 pm
Tuesday April 3 Houston Minute Maid Park 7:05 pm
Wednesday April 4 Houston Minute Maid Park 1:05 pm
However, a spokeswoman for United Airlines called the lawsuit a shameful attempt to gain advantage in ongoing union contract negotiations.
As United and Continental continue to merge operations, pilots will be adopting mostly Continentals cockpit procedures and checklists. United pilots need more time and training to learn the changes, said Capt. Wendy Morse, chairwoman of the United Master Executive Council of the Air Line Pilots Association.
The company is implementing unrealistic deadlines and requiring only distance, computer-based training that we believe is inadequate to maintain the level of safety our passengers expect from United and its pilots, she said.
United said safety is its highest priority, and it alleged the lawsuit is a tactic in union contract talks between pilots and the airline.
Our training procedures, which are fully approved and closely monitored by the FAA, meet or exceed safety standards, and we are a safe airline, United Airlines spokeswoman Julie King said. This lawsuit … is a shameful effort to influence negotiations for a joint collective bargaining agreement, under a false guise of safety.
Morse said the lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York, is unrelated to union contract talks with United Continental Holdings.
It is an entirely separate issue, she said, adding that the union has a solid wall between those two discussions. The suit seeks to prevent United from implementing the new procedures on schedule.
Though the airlines officially merged about a year ago, they are still mostly operating as separate airlines until the company receives a single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration. United officials have said they expect to receive that certificate this year.
To operate in the same cockpit, premerger United and Continental pilots must have a single set of operating procedures, the lawsuit says.
Our members are pretty exercised that they dont feel comfortable in their airplanes, Morse said, adding that the computer-based training being offered is inadequate for creating muscle memory for new procedures. It requires a classroom course, at the minimum. Classroom training can include cockpit mock-ups and flight simulators, the suit says.
Morse said retraining is like learning a new language. Its like were being asked to speak Russian by using a few mouse clicks, and thats not suitable, she said.
Examples of differences in procedures involve handling emergencies, such as recovering from wind shear, or keeping the plane flying level when fuel tanks become unbalanced and have different weights, Morse said.
Its very different in terms of how we accomplish the same goal, she said. Some pilots have reported the computer training was taking six to eight hours instead of the one hour scheduled by the airline, the suit says.
Morse said the pilots association has been unsuccessful in talking about training concerns with United, up and down the management chain and all the way to the CEO, as well as the FAA.
King said the suit is without merit.
We fully expectthe court will find these claims to be groundless, she said.
Morse said it was a coincidence that the union filed the suit a day before Tuesdays scheduled rally in New York, where more than 700 uniformed pilots of United and Continental are scheduled to picket. Pilots will be protesting the slow pace of negotiations with the airline on a joint union contract. United pilots are eager to get out of a bankruptcy-era contract that slashed average pay by about 40 percent.
gkarp@tribune.com
