Ranger Academy Info Sheet 2011

8/7/2019 Ranger Academy Info Sheet 2011

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Ranger Academy Program

The National Ranger Training Institute Ranger Academy is an 18-week basic lawenforcement program. This approximately 700-hour program provides lawenforcement training certification approved by the Ohio Peace Officer TrainingCommission, the National Park Service, and the United States Fish and WildlifeService. Other states may recognize all or part of the training. The programprepares law enforcement rangers and park officers to perform law enforcement inareas administered by state and local agencies in Ohio and reciprocal states andthe National Park Service (NPS) and the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS.)Graduates will be eligible to receive both NPS and FWS seasonal Type 2 lawenforcement commissions. These commissions enable the bearer to carry firearms,make arrests, investigate violations of the United States Code, U.S. Code of FederalRegulations and assist in the execution of warrants. They do not authorize seasonalrangers or refuge officers to investigate felony level crimes or cases involving

death except under the direction of a full-time officer. Various state andmetropolitan park law enforcement agencies also accept this training forcommissioning purposes.

Successful completion of the program enables the student to seek a lawenforcement commission from agencies in the State of Ohio that would confer fullpeace officer status, with accompanying arrest authority and the ability to enforceapplicable sections of the Ohio Revised Code. This includes not only park officers,park rangers, watercraft officers or other conservation law enforcement officer, butalso local police officers, county Deputy Sheriffs or other statutorily authorized lawofficer, such as university or hospital police officer.

The Ranger Academy Program differs from other law enforcement programsbecause of its specific orientation to the Natural Resources emergency servicesfield. Scenarios and classes are designed to meet the unique requirements of thepark, public lands, cultural resources and wildlife law enforcement fields.


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National Ranger Training Institute Facilities

The National Ranger Training Institute is located on the campus of Hocking

College. Hocking College's 2,300-acre campus is located in the Hocking Hillsregion in the city of Nelsonville, a community of 5,500 residents in Athens County,Ohio. This area of Ohio marks the foothills of the Appalachian Mountain Rangeand is hilly and predominately forested. The campus is embedded in the WayneNational Forest and is surrounded by numerous state parks, forests and lakes.

Nelsonville is situated about 600 feet above sea level in the drainage area of theHocking and Ohio Rivers. Fall quarter classes generally start in September, withwarm temperatures signaling the end of summer. October is extremely variableand may range from temperatures in the eighties to snow. November andDecember are both cold, with temperatures sometimes dipping onto the twenties.Southeast Ohio is fairly damp with rain common. Snowfalls are usually just heavyenough to be inconvenient without providing much recreational benefit. Januaryand February hold the brunt of winter, with temperatures often falling below twentydegrees. March is transitional, as is April, which has seen temperatures rising intothe seventies, followed by snow. May can be very temperate, and June is typicallywarm to hot. Ohio is humid throughout the year.

The Academy is conducted twice a year. One class begins in early August andgraduates in December. The second class begins in early January and graduates inMay, before Memorial Day, the traditional start of the park summer season.

Ranger Academy Program classes are typically conducted regardless of weatherconditions, so students should be prepared for bad weather as well as good. Ascandidate working Rangers, students wont have the luxury of not going to workbecause it is cold and raining. The same principle applies to classes held outside.

Academy training is based out of the School of Natural Resources on the maincampus. The campus includes a state of the art Student Center, where fitnesstraining and subject control classes are held. A firing range and field training sitesare located close to the main campus. Emergency driving courses are set up inclosed, specially marked parking lots on campus.

The School of Natural Resources at Hocking College is the largest in the state of Ohio, and one of the largest in the United States.

Housing is available in on- or off-campus residence halls or in numerous nearbyrental properties. Food service is available through meal plans, and groceries are


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easily obtained in town. Academy students are responsible for their own room andboard.

Academy Training Team

The National Ranger Training Institute instructional cadre consists of instructorsspecifically chosen based on their subject matter expertise and demonstrated skillas teachers. Many are or have been employed full-time in some area of parks andnatural resources law enforcement. Others are specialists, managers and higher-level officers drawn from a diverse range of local, state and federal agencies. Assuch, they are in a unique position to not only offer excellent instruction, but alsoinsight into the field as an avocation.

Ranger Academy Program Participants

The Ranger Academy program serves several types of students. One group consistsof students working towards an Associate Degree in Natural Resources LawEnforcement Management at Hocking College. These students take the RangerAcademy Program as the final step in their academic career, prior to seekingemployment as rangers. The second group is comprised of students fromthroughout the country seeking the necessary certification to apply for seasonal lawenforcement positions with the National Park Service. The third group is studentsseeking employment within a state or local park or natural resource agency inOhio. These students will benefit from certification as having completed an OhioPeace Officer Basic Training program that offers a specialized perspective on thenatural resources field.

Due to the short length of time required to complete the program, many studentsfind it possible to travel to Hocking College, take the course and return home,without the disruption to their lives that a longer program would entail. Thesestudents are especially welcome due to the differing perspectives they bring to theprogram. Students from all over the nation, and several foreign countries, haveattended the Ranger Academy Program. The program is also unique in that itdraws a large variety of students, from those just starting their professionaldevelopment, to people working in the natural resources field looking to advanceor move into different positions, people changing careers, and people who havefinished one career and are exploring a unique way to spend retirement or start asecond career.

The fourth group consists of students who have already been hired as potential lawenforcement professionals and are sent by their agency for mandated training. The Ranger Academy offers an opportunity for natural resources and landmanagement agencies with enforcement responsibilities to obtain mission-specifictraining for its enforcement officers. Hocking College welcomes the opportunity to


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partner with state and local departments to meet the unique requirements of thisspecialized area by providing efficient and cost effective training that is driven byquality and dedication to service.

Training Components

The Academy typically exceeds 700 hours of classes conducted over the course of 18 weeks. The exact number of hours may fluctuate based on curricula changes orspecial circumstances, but will never fall below the minimum of 558 hoursrequired by the state of Ohio or the 400 hours required by the National ParkService. The typical training week is 43 hours long. The normal training day isfrom 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and fitness training is held three days a week from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM. Students are also expected to spend time each day in study, practiceand individual physical fitness work. Some evening and night classes are held, dueto the necessity of training in adverse light and nocturnal conditions. At least oneclass will be held on a Sunday, and weekend classes may be necessary toaccommodate instructor and facility schedules. These dates will be made known tothe student as far in advance as possible. Prospective participants should bemindful of the fact that their career choice requires the ability to work all differenthours with irregular time off, and in any sort of conditions.

The Ranger Academy Program has specific attendance mandates that require full,active participation in all scheduled class activities. These will be discussed indetail during orientation. Absences are only allowable under exceptional andextreme circumstances.

Curriculum

The Ranger Academy Program curriculum consists of a combination of mandatedcurricula from the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission and the National ParkService, with several additional topics developed by the National Ranger TrainingInstitute. The program is under constant review and revision, in order to providethe most current information possible. Any schedule or curricula is subject tochange.

Subject Hours

Section 1: Administrative

Ranger Academy Orientation 7

Introduction to Basic Training 1

Role of American Peace Officer 3

Philosophy & Principles of the American Justice System 3


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The Criminal Justice System & Structure of the American Courts 3

Community Policing 4

National Park Service Mission & History of NPS Law Enforcement 4

National Park Service Law Enforcement Policies 6Principles of Interpretation 4

Ethics, Professionalism and Core Values 4

Examinations (Hours Vary)

Community Service Project (Hours Vary)

Graduation 2

Subtotal 41

Section 2: Core Legal

Authority and Jurisdiction of the National Park Service 4

Laws of Arrest / Constitutional Law / Fourth Amendment 16

Search & Seizure / Constitutional Law / Fourth Amendment 16

Legal Aspects of Interview & Interrogation / Constitutional Law 4

Civil Liability & Use of Force 6

Testifying in Court & Rules of Evidence 5

Subtotal 31

Section 3: Ohio Revised Code

General Provisions 6

Ohio Revised Code

Homicide, Assault, Menacing 3

Kidnapping, Extortion 1

Sexual Assault 2

Prostitution, Obscenity 2

Arson & Related Offenses 2


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Robbery, Burglary, Trespass & Related Offenses 2

Theft, Fraud & Related Offenses 3

Gambling & Related Offenses 2

Liquor Control 1Drug Offenses 2

Offenses Against Public Peace 2

Selected Offenses Against the Family 1

Offenses Against Justice and Public Administration 3

Conspiracy, Attempt, Complicity 1

Weapons 1

Subtotal 34

Section 4: Federal Criminal Law

Federal Criminal Law 2

Federal Law: US Code and 36 CFR 10

Natural Resource Law, 50 CFR 4

Subtotal 16

Section 5: Communications

Communicating with the Public & the Media 2

Introduction to Report Writing 4

Report Writing 3

Investigative Report Writing 3

National Park Service Report Procedures 4

Radio Procedures 1

NCIC/LEADS 2

Subtotal 19


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Section 6: Social & Behavioral Issues / Human Relations

Interacting with the Special Needs Populations 16

Domestic Violence 15

Crisis Intervention 6Child Abuse & Neglect 6

Missing Children Investigation, Amber Alert 6

Missing Persons 2

Juvenile Justice System 6

Victims' Rights 2

Crime Prevention 6

Community / Cultural Diversity 24Interviewing and Interrogation 12

Subtotal 101

Section 7: First Aid

First Aid 16

Subtotal 16

Section 8: Patrol

Vehicle Patrol Techniques 3

Foot Patrol 1

Responding to Crimes in Progress 2

Building Searches 6

Vehicle Stops & Approaches 20

Auto Theft & V.I.N. Reconstruction 3

Gang Awareness 4

Prisoner Booking & Handling 4Helicopter Landing Zones, Aviation Asset & Safety Awareness(Optional) 4


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Subtotal 47

Section 9: Fitness & Health

Physical Conditioning & Physical Efficiency Battery 30Health and Wellness 4

Subtotal 34

Section 10: Traffic Safety

Non-Emergency Driving 2

Emergency Driving 2

Pursuit Driving 4Driving Field Training Exercises 20

Introduction to Traffic 1

Motor Vehicle Offenses 8

Commercial Vehicle Offenses 3

Traffic Crash Investigation 15

Traffic Crash Planning, Factors & Events

Traffic Crash Reporting Procedures, NPS 10-413

Interviewing & Fact Gathering

Diagramming & Template

Collection of Evidence

Vehicle Damage

Exercise for Traffic Crash Investigation 6

Uniform Traffic Ticket 1

Speed Enforcement 5

Traffic Direction & Control 1

Alcohol Detection, Apprehension and Prosecution 32

Subtotal 100


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Section 11: Investigations

Crime Scene Search 4

Evidence Collection Techniques 16Crime Scene Sketching & Detailed Drawing 4

Police Photography 3

Tracing Stolen Property 1

Arson Scene Investigation 1

Controlled Substance & Drug Awareness 2

Ohio Drug Laws 2

Confidential Informants 2Observation, Perception & Description 2

Line-Ups 2

Gambling & Prostitution 2

Liquor Control & Enforcement 2

Surveillance 2

Search Warrants 2

Methamphetamine and Clandestine Labs 4

Environmental Crime Awareness 4

Cultural Resource Law & Protection 4

Subtotal 59

Section 12: Homeland Security

HAZMAT and WMD Awareness for the First Responder 8

Bombs, Explosives & Incendiary Devices 2

Terrorism Awareness 5

Incident Command System 2

National Incident Management System: NIMS 4


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Subtotal 21

Section 13: Use of Force

Force Concepts & After Incident Issues 12Subject Control & Physical Techniques 64

Control of Nonviolent Crowds, Confronting Hostile Crowds 3

Riot Formations 3

Chemical Agents / OC Spray 4

Electronic Control Device / TASER (Optional) 12

Handgun & Shotgun Courses 88

Patrol Rifle Course (Optional) 16

Subtotal 202

Total Training Hours 721

Ranger Academy Program Cost

The program fee is approximately $4,230 dollars, which includes the tuition andcourse fees. Included in this price are:

Books and reference materials

Equipment, such as handcuffs, baton, templates and flashlight

Ammunition, targets and use of Institute firearms and duty gear

Supplies, such as crime scene and evidence collection tools

Use of Institute motor vehicles for driver and patrol training

Full payment is due at the time of registration, unless other arrangements are madethrough the Hocking College Financial Aid Office at 740.753.7061. Agencies who

wish to send employees may be invoiced for the cost of the program. A $125deposit will reserve space in the desired training session (Deposits submitted bycredit card will incur a $5.00 fee, for a total of $130.00). Fees are subject tochange without notice and are non-refundable after a certain date during theprogram.

Program fees do not include housing and food costs. The cost is the same for bothOhio residents and non-residents.


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Students with vehicles will need to purchase Hocking College Parking Permits eachquarter for two quarters, for a total cost of $70.

Financial Aid

Many factors determine eligibility for financial aid and/or guaranteed student loans,such as length of program, personal income, number of dependents and otherfactors. For additional information and assistance, call the Hocking CollegeFinancial Aid Office at 740.753.7061 or 877.HOCKING.

Veterans Affairs

The Ranger Academy Program qualifies for VA educational benefits and isconsidered like any other college course. Contact the registrar for Veterans Affairsat 740.753.7075 for more information.

Uniforms and Other Equipment

Participants are required to provide a uniform for this training program. After theNational Ranger Training Institute is in receipt of the students deposit and prior tothe start of the program, the student will receive a letter providing the vendor'sname and address to facilitate this uniform purchase. Students should allow atleast two weeks for shipping.

Trainees must provide personal foul weather gear, eye and ear protection for use

during firearms training, gym clothes (NRTI gym clothing will be provided shortlyafter arrival. The cost is included in the program fee), boots or shoes, belt and aclipboard. A more detailed and inclusive list will be provided following actualregistration.

The sessions for which casual clothing and athletic clothing is acceptable will beidentified prior to the start of the specific training session.

Agencies are requested to equip their candidates with the specific equipment theyare to use on the job, however, generic National Ranger Training Instituteequipment will also be available if this is not possible.

Training vehicles are provided for those classes that require their use. Agencies arerequested to make patrol vehicles available to their candidates if possible for theiruse during Emergency Vehicle Operations classes, especially if those vehicles arespecific to the agency's law enforcement operations.


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No additional textbooks, materials or supplies are required except for minor items,a list of which will be provided during the registration process.

Liability Waivers

Each participant in the Ranger Academy Program is required to sign an agreementto participate and waiver of liability which acknowledges that the training in whichthey are about to participate has the potential for discomfort, injury and/or death(i.e. defensive tactics, chemical agents, TASER, Emergency Vehicle Operations andfirearms training) and could cause serious injury or death.

Lodging and Dining Facilities

Lodging may be available on campus at our residence halls. Contact NatalieBowles at 740.753.7024 for more information. Interested students should identifytheir future participation in the National Ranger Training Institute program.

Private residential lodging is also available in the nearby communities. Interestedstudents should contact Connie Cassady at 740.753.6304 for an off-campushousing list.

Special meal rates are available at the college cafeteria.

Class Size

In order to maintain a low student to instructor ratio and a high level of interaction,

Academy class size is limited to 24 students.

Registration Deadlines

Individual deadlines are set for various stages of the registration process. Due tothe extremely high demand for entry into the program, failure to complete aregistration task by the given deadline may result in a candidate losing their seat inthe class. Prospective students should submit their preliminary application as soonas possible.

Background Investigations

Enrollees will be required to submit fingerprints and releases for a backgroundinvestigation. Prior convictions for offenses of violence and drug abuse areautomatic disqualifiers. Prospective students who have any sort of criminal record,or a history of driving violations should contact the program coordinator.


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Ranger Academy Program participants must have a valid motor vehicle operatorspermit recognized by the State of Ohio

Medical Requirements

Students are required to submit a statement from a physician that they can engagein rigorous physical activity without restriction. Examples of rigorous activitiesinclude, but are not limited to, fighting a resistant subject during defensive tactics,running, climbing a barricade, handling firearms under stress and calisthenics.

Students with pre-existing or chronic medical conditions, who have experiencedserious injuries or illness, or who are required to regularly take prescriptionmedications are most strongly urged to contact the program coordinator to discusswhether or not their particular condition may effect their ability to be hired post-Academy. The National Park Service and most law enforcement agencies havestringent medical requirements that impact the hiring of rangers and lawenforcement officers

Academic Prerequisites

There are no academic prerequisites for attending the Ranger Academy Program.Prospective students should check with the agency that they wish to work for todetermine whether the agency has educational requirements.

Age Limits

To be hired for a commissioned law enforcement position by the National ParkService, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or most other law enforcement agenciesa candidate must be a minimum of 21 years of age, so it is not recommended that aperson take this training much before their 21st birthday. However, a few non-commissioned law enforcement positions do exist in various agencies that aresometimes filled with personnel under the age of 21. This is not a mandatoryrequirement.

There is no upper age limit for enrolling in the program. Currently, the NationalPark Service has no upper age restriction for seasonal rangers, however, candidatesfor permanent, career ranger positions cannot be older than 37.

Attendance Requirements

Participants are expected to attend all components of the program. The programcoordinator will address absences due to illness, subpoenas and the like. Manyindividual topics addressed are considered mandatory. Students absent for


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mandatory components will not be certified as having successfully completed theprogram.

Trainee Evaluation

All areas will have written examinations and two written comprehensive finalexaminations . In order to be certified as having completed an Ohio Peace OfficerBasic Training Program, students will be required to pass an exam administered bythe Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission. This test is held at the Ohio PeaceOfficer Training Academy and is required by the Ohio Administrative Code and theOhio Peace Officer Training Commission to be held a minimum of ten workingdays from the last day of class. Participants may find it necessary to return to Ohiofrom their homes or jobs to complete this test

Additionally, several performance-based evaluations will be conducted throughoutthe RAP program. Several role-playing situations will also be conducted in whichthe trainee is required to successfully complete the unit to the satisfaction of theinstructor(s) and according to the lesson plan for that particular Unit of Instruction.

Candidates will also have to pass firearms qualifications courses approved by theOhio Peace Officer Training Commission and the United States Department of theInterior. Written tests on various aspects of firearms usage are also conducted.

Fitness Requirements

Students are required to participate in fitness training and testing and must meet

minimum standards based on their age and gender for graduation. Events include:

1.5 mile run

Illinois Agility Test

Sit-ups per minute

Push-ups per minute

Bench press

Sit-and-Reach Test, measuring flexibility of lower back

Body Mass Measurement

Students do not need to meet these requirements to enroll in the Ranger AcademyProgram, but they must be met to graduate. Target standards will be providedduring the enrollment process and again during orientation. A baseline fitness testwill be administered at the beginning of the program. Obviously, the closer astudent is to passing their standards at the beginning of the Academy, the better.


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Graduation Requirements

In order to successfully graduate and meet the requirements for certification, eachstudent must:

Attend and participate in all mandatory classes and meet the attendance

requirements for all other classes

Pass all written tests

Pass all performance-based tests

Pass two final exams, one covering federal material and one covering statematerial

Pass fitness tests meeting state and federal fitness goals

Meet all other performance objectives contained in the Academy courseoutline

Meeting all of these requirements will result in certification and the awarding of 24credit hours.

Application Process

Returning the Preliminary Application, along with the refundable deposit, beginsthe process of enrolling in the Ranger Academy Program. Once the PreliminaryApplication and deposit have been received, the prospective student will beentered on the next available class roster, or a later class, if requested. As the startdate of the class approaches, prospective students will receive a series of mailingswith tasks to accomplish, that includes applying to Hocking College, whichrequires a $45 fee, undergoing a medical exam and arranging for the submission of a set of fingerprints for a background check. If a class is full, the prospective

student will be given the option of taking a place in the next class with vacancies.

The National Ranger Training Institute and Hocking College are currentlyundergoing curriculum revisions, accreditation processes and transitioning fromquarters to semesters. These changes may result in changes to the Academyprogram.


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Documents

Ranger Academy Info Sheet 2011