This training will include methods for developing effective policies and procedures that will meet the needs of your agency as well as laws, regulations, and accreditation standards (whether in the process of accreditation or not). Attendees will learn how to ensure that new or revised policies and procedures are written in a way that staff will understand and follow. We will discuss on how to decide which policies and procedures should be reviewed by legal staff or representatives. We will cover many ways you can involve your staff from all ranks and areas in the policy and procedure development, ultimately giving staff buy in and improving staff morale. Finally, we will discuss how a comprehensive approach to policy development includes training, distribution, and establishing a “policy culture” to meet the needs of the agency and staff.
Instructional Topics:
- How to write Policies and Procedures,
- Ensuring your policies and procedures are written in a way staff will understand and follow,
- What should be included,
- Including training,
- Including staff from all levels in the development of agency directives,
- Methods for conducting annual reviews,
- Ensuring policies meet nationally accepted standards,
- Involving staff in the development, building staff morale,
- Methods for implementing policies and procedures,
- Establishing a policy culture,
- Ensuring policies and procedures meets the needs of staff and the agency.
Why is this training so important?
Written directives such as policies and procedures are the backbone of any agency. They set the tone for how the agency or facility is managed and operated. Most importantly, they give staff the guidelines of what is expected and how to accomplish their duties. Most court cases and disciplinary hearings involving a law enforcement or correctional agency involve a review of agency policies and procedures. In addition, most agency staff called as a witness are questioned about agency policies and procedures. After watching some of the trials and cases over the last few years, the main questions have included:
- What was the agency policy and procedure?
- Was the agency policy and procedures appropriate for the situation and were they updated?
- When was the last time the related policy and procedure reviewed?
- Did staff follow the agency policy and procedure?
- Did the policy and procedure work in this case?