Detentions Training Unit

The Sheriff's Detentions Training Unit (DTU) is comprised of (1) Detentions Sergeant, (7) Detentions/Court Services Deputies, and (2) Intermediate Clerk Typist. The staff of the DTU develops and certifies courses through the Corrections Standards Authority (CSA). The DTU also schedules classes, tracks training of personnel assigned to the Detentions Bureau, and runs the Detentions/Court Service Academies.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department participates in a state program entitled Standards and Training for Corrections program, otherwise known as the STC program. STC requires certain staff members, working within the Detentions Bureau, to receive (24) hours of state certified training annually. The department or private training providers can provide this training as long as the courses are STC certified.

Each year the DTU presents at least (24) hours of annual training to over 1000 staff members. The attendees include the Detentions Bureau Assistant Sheriff, Commanders, Captains, Lieutenants, Sergeants and Deputies (Law Enforcement and Detentions).

In addition to annual training requirements, each year the DTU Training Officers coordinate the Pre-Assignment Core and Supervisor Core training for approximately (85) new Law Enforcement Deputies and Sergeants entering the Detentions Bureau. STC requires all new supervisors receive (80) hours of Core Supervisor training. STC also requires all Deputies who have graduated from a P.O.S.T. certified academy receive (56) hours of pre-assignment training before entering the Detentions Bureau or as soon as possible thereafter.

The DTU Academy Training Officers are tasked with coordinating and running the Detention/Court Service Academies. The Detention/Court Services Academy currently consists of 520 hours of training which are STC certified. The Detention/Court Services Academy runs approximately thirteen weeks in length. The DTU runs four to six Detentions/Court Service Academies per year, sometimes concurrently.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Detention/Court Services Academy is the most demanding, comprehensive, and extensive Corrections Officer Core training in the State of California. The Academy curriculum covers all required Board of Corrections subjects plus :

832 PC Laws of Arrest & Firearms, Shotgun, Chemical agents, Baton, Cell extraction, Riot control Firefighting, First Aid/CPR, Criminal Law, Civil liability, Cultural awareness, Vehicle operations and much more...