Rule 105-2-.12 - Training and Individual DevelopmentThe primary objective of the MPOU training curriculum is to ensure that individuals receive sufficient training to enable them to provide probation services that are professional, competent and in compliance with all laws and the DCS rules. To satisfy the training requirements, entities shall develop a training plan designed to ensure timely completion and compliance with the training requirements imposed by these rules. Entity training plans are required to be submitted to MPOU for approval. The following training is required:
(a) Probation Officer Initial Orientation Training. All probation officers providing probation services are required to obtain 40 hours of initial orientation training as set forth below. Probation officers with evidence of satisfactorily completing a probation or parole officer basic course of training certified by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council are exempt from the 40-hour initial orientation training requirement. Initial training of new probation officers shall be completed within the first 6 months from MPOU approved registration. All directors/owner must also complete the probation officer training if providing supervision services. 1. Probation Officer Orientation Requirements (i) Overview of misdemeanor probation: A 10 hour block of instruction consisting of but not limited to the following topics, duties and activities fundamental to general probation services: DCS/MPOU Rules, state laws, constitutional law & liabilities, introduction to MPOU & compliance review procedures, history of misdemeanor probation in Georgia, professionalism, ethics, and customer service;(ii) Basic probation officer training: A 30 hour block of instruction consisting of but not limited to the following topics, duties, activities and operational practices fundamental to the performance of court services and case supervision: elements of basic supervision case documentation & caseload management, intake procedures, case file and records management and confidentiality, duties related to high liability matters such as tolling, "pay only" cases, indigency & financial hardships, consecutive cases, unique requirements associated with cases sentenced under the First Offender and Conditional Discharge statutes; supervision of common general and special conditions of probation such as community service, substance abuse screening, collection of court imposed financial obligations, special conditions involving clinical evaluations for substance abuse and/or mental health concerns which may require treatment, counseling, family violence intervention, risk reduction; actions related to probationer non-compliance such as violation response plans, violation of probation warrants, tolling orders, sentence modification orders, petitions for revocation, hearing preparation, testimony and courtroom protocol; entity operational policies, procedures and performance standards, personal safety, security and wellness, cyber security and data management.(b) Probation Officer Annual In-Service. All probation officers are required to obtain 20 hours of annual in-service training. In-service training shall be completed on a calendar year basis. The initial orientation training hours completed during the first calendar year of employment shall also count towards satisfying the annual in-service training requirements for that same period. 1. Annual In-Service Training shall be on topics that relate to the criminal justice system, all topics, duties, and activities listed previously in this section, MPOU Rules, individual professional development, and/or the operation of the probation entity as approved by MPOU.(c) Administrative Employee Agent, Intern, or Volunteer Initial Orientation Training. All Administrative Employee, Agent, Intern, or Volunteer are required to obtain 16 hours of initial orientation training. 1. Administrative Employee, Agent, Intern, or Volunteer Orientation Requirements(i) Overview of misdemeanor probation: A 6 hour block of instruction consisting of but not limited to the following topics, duties and activities fundamental to general probation services: DCS/MPOU Rules, state laws, constitutional law & liabilities, introduction to MPOU & compliance review procedures, history of misdemeanor probation in Georgia, professionalism, ethics, and customer service;(ii) Basic probation services training: A 10 hour block of instruction consisting of but not limited to the following topics, duties, activities and operational practices commonly performed by individuals registered in the categories listed in this section; elements of basic probation office supervision duties such as: intake procedures, case file and records management and confidentiality, awareness of high liability matters such as tolling, "pay only" cases, indigency & financial hardships, consecutive cases; supportive role functions associated with common conditions of probation such as community service, substance abuse screening and collection of court imposed financial obligations; supportive role functions associated with actions related to probationer non-compliance such as violation response plans, violation of probation warrants, tolling orders, sentence modification orders, petitions for revocation hearings, hearing preparation, testimony and courtroom protocols; entity operational policies, procedures and performance standards, personal safety, security and wellness, cyber security and data management.(d) Administrative Employee, Agent, Intern, or Volunteer Annual In-Service Training. All Administrative Employee, Agent, Intern, or Volunteer will obtain 8 hours of annual in-service training. In-service training shall be completed on a calendar year basis. The initial orientation training hours completed during the first calendar year of employment shall also count towards satisfying the annual in-service training requirements for that same period. 1. Annual In-Service Training shall be on topics that relate to the criminal justice system, all topics, duties, and activities listed previously in this section, MPOU Rules, individual professional development, and/or the operation of the probation entity as approved by MPOU.(e) Training Responsibilities. The progress and completion of initial orientation and in-service training is required to be documented and maintained in the individual's files utilizing the forms approved by MPOU.(f) Training Resources. Probation entities and individuals providing probation services may obtain training resource information from MPOU, local law enforcement agencies, local colleges and schools, and national professional associations such as the American Probation and Parole Association, Georgia Professional Association of Community Supervision, Community Corrections Association of Georgia, American Correctional Association, and/or credible sources approved by MPOU. All training resources must be approved by MPOU.(g) Trainer Requirement. For internal trainers or use of external trainers not associated with agencies/associations as listed previously, the qualifications of the trainer should be established through academic achievements, certifications and/or extensive experience on the subject matter. The entity shall maintain a description of the course, the trainer's qualifications and contact information on file. External trainers not associated with agencies/associations as listed above must be approved by MPOU.(h) The failure to adhere to these training requirements shall subject the probation entity and/or individuals to sanctions as provided in these rules.Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 105-2-.12
O.C.G.A. § 42-8-106.1.
Original Rule entitled "Training and Individual Development" adopted. F. Jan. 25, 2017; eff. Feb. 14, 2017.Amended: F. Jan. 3, 2019; eff. Jan. 23, 2019.Amended: F. Feb. 18, 2022; eff. Mar. 10, 2022.