Training

Glossary of Terms

The Training Compliance and Professional Development (TCPD) Section of the Department provides all personnel the opportunity to grow personally and professionally through their participation in a wide variety of training. A training catalog is published annually to advertise all courses that will be offered. Training is provided in the areas of basic training, core training, in-service training, and professional development.

Probation and Parole Agents develop a wide range of skills through training related to public and community safety.

PPP Agent Basic Training

Probation and Parole Agents are required to complete the DPPPS Agent Basic Training Program which provides an introduction to the Department as well as a thorough review of the requirements of the Agent position. This training program consists of 23 online courses that overview of the many facets, duties and responsibilities of an Agent of the SC Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services.

Safety Training

Safety training plays a key role in enhancing the skills of agents in the field. In addition to firearms, Arrest Scenario, and Emergency Vehicle Operations Training, agents receive annual in-service training in Pressure Point Control Tactics.

Firearms Training

Probation and Parole Agents are issued 9mm Glock 17 pistols and undergo training in the safe and appropriate use of their firearms. (View PPP Retired Officer Firearms Carrying Procedures here. For Retired Agent Training, click here.)

Arrest Scenario Training

This program supplements the Agent Basic Safety Training Program, specifically addressing out-of-office or field arrests. It focuses on the strategy of arrests and building-entry tactics that are practical for agents. In particular, the training concentrates on:

Preparation and risk factors involved in arrests, whether through a warrant team or other means
Safety
Teamwork
Development of competence and confidence

Emergency Vehicle Operations

All agents must complete Emergency Vehicle Operations training as part of the C-1 Certification. Agents train in Ford Crown Victorias provided by the Criminal Justice Academy (CJA). The training takes place at the CJA Driving Range and consists of:

Threshold braking
Evasive maneuvering
Controlled braking
Off-road recovery
Precision maneuvering
Skid control

Pressure Point Control Tactics

During PPCT, Agents review the speed cuffing techniques and defensive kicks and strikes taught in Basic Training. Also covered are weapon retention techniques, and collapsible baton techniques. Prisoner transport techniques are reviewed and practiced to enhance to enhance the execution of the techniques during a dynamic situation.

Additional Training

Ongoing training is provided to agents in addition to mandatory in-service classes. Evidence-Based Practices are researched and courses are developed/facilitated to enhance the supervision techniques or leadership abilities of our staff. Examples of this type of professional development training are: Working with Justice Involved Women, Creative In Difference (Transgender Awareness), Effective Practices in Correctional Settings (EPICS), and the Supervisor’s Leadership Academy (SLA).