Interaction with other Highway Patrols and State Troopers

['86 Samurai]

Is there any official interaction between state police departments? Do you cross-train or have joint exercises together to modernize and standardize tactics?

Obviously there are vast differences between various state laws so I can see challenges in working together in any official capacity, but it seems like it could make some sense to share knowledge.

[dw]

Our motor training and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) programs train Officers from all allied agencies. I'm sure those involved in the programs can tell you more.

[Mac]

The troops working in Areas that border neighboring states could probably give you a better answer than anybody else. I'm sure they have some degree of interaction and knowledge sharing with DPS, NHP, etc.

[Slim]

When I worked in Blythe I never had a conversation with any of DPS (Department of Public Safety) Troopers. Occasionally I would see them at the hospital doing some follow up, but I think there was little resentment over us getting paid nearly twice what they did. Not my fault.

[carcop]

Generally at the basic policing level ... not much. Most departments do their own "in house" training for arrest techniques, tactics and such. When it comes to changing or increasing the knowledge level departments or agencies get together and share info.

As CHP we may not use other states' policy or techniques but we sure are aware of them. When it comes to specialized training department get together and train or attend courses. Specialized stuff usually has a smaller amount of troops so by doing multiple agencies your able to draw more funding and share more knowledge. A good example would be the law enforcemnet conventions or chiefs conventions. They are HUGE dog and pony shows. Lots of joint training and or techniques derive form those types of functions.

[Your Mentor]

We just had a joint training day with Oregon State Police last month in Klamath Falls, OR. I was surprised at how similar their procedures were to ours; almost completely with only slight variations. The differences were so minimal that I'm confident, as were others attending, that we'll operate as a complete team when it comes down to it. They admitted that much of their procedures and policy are based in part on ours. I ran across this with Nevada Highway Patrol when working in Death Valley as well. I've worked every incident imaginable with border state agencies and I have to say that most state agencies are top notch and considered elite as compared to local agencies. And, not too remarkably, they have patterned much of their SOP on our example. Says a lot. And for guys like me, who live for remote resident post work, it's a relief. Imagine knowing EVERY sheriff's deputy, police officer, paramedic, EMT, and fireman, in your area on a first name basis. No room for posturing. You really take care of each other, regardless of the badge or patches you wear. And you enjoy awesome BBQ's together afterwards.

[Your Mentor]

PS-

dw,
Having taught DRE preschool (day one), I can tell you that MOST of the students in ANY DRE class are allied agency. Only a handfull are CHP even though our Drug Programs Manager is the IACP coordinator for the entire state. Anyone who's been through the DRE class will attest; most students are allied agency. Great class, great training, and super skills after you certify.

[Mac]

...Imagine knowing EVERY sheriff's deputy, police officer, paramedic, EMT, and fireman, in your area on a first name basis. No room for posturing. You really take care of each other, regardless of the badge or patches you wear...
Exactly as it should be everywhere. It certainly makes for a better (and safer/more efficient) working environment. I hate seeing the 'tudes come into play. I've spent some time BS'ing with DPS and NHP troopers at the Explorer competitions in Needles over the years, and found them to be great guys. It's interesting to see both the differences AND the similarities between our departments.