Training

Training

To maintain the effectiveness of a Regional CGIC, all agencies should implement continuous, comprehensive training programs to ensure agency members remain up to date on the latest technologies, investigative techniques, and legal considerations. A series of training materials should be developed that can be adapted for a full-day session, a four-hour block, or a roll call briefing. This training can be provided to law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, community groups, politicians, and administrators. It should be updated regularly with new developments in DNA analysis, technology, and NIBIN. Training divisions and police chiefs should emphasize the importance of the training so that all officers or deputies within their organization receive the information at the same time. To be successful, gun investigations must begin with proper evidence processing, gun possessor identification, and interviews.

All participating law enforcement agencies in a Regional CGIC should adopt similar training modules to standardize CGIC training across the region. A key training point is the idea that every firearm in police custody should be considered a potential crime gun until proven otherwise. This approach requires that the handling and analysis of each firearm processed is conducted with consistency and thoroughness across agencies. By adopting this approach, law enforcement agencies can achieve more effective results in gun crime investigations.