Adopt resolution supporting the Yolo County Health and Human Service Agency Special Investigation Unit (SIU) becoming a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified agency. (No general fund impact) (Sullivan)

Adopt resolution supporting the Yolo County Health and Human Service Agency Special Investigation Unit (SIU) becoming a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified agency.

The Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency, through the Service Centers Branch, assists county residents in financial need with obtaining public assistance through programs such as CalFresh and CalWorks.  These financial assistance programs are funded and governed by both Federal and State Laws, policies and regulations.  The existence of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is mandated by such laws, policies and regulations. The California Penal Code enumerates the lawful authority of Welfare Fraud Investigators as California Peace Officers.  Our Investigators are currently sworn law enforcement peace officers, however the SIU is not currently a POST Certified Agency. In anticipation of becoming a POST Certified Agency, our Special Investigations Unit has adhered to the standards for the recruitment and training of our Investigators. 
 

The Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) was established by the legislature in 1959 to set minimum selection and training standards for California law enforcement. The POST Program is voluntary and incentive-based. Participating agencies agree to abide by the standards established by POST. More than 600 agencies participate in the POST Program and are eligible to receive the Commission’s services and benefits which include: job-related assessment tools, research into improved officer selection standards, management counseling services, the development of new training courses, and quality leadership training programs. POST also awards professional certificates to recognize peace officer achievement and proficiency.  Showing participation and compliance to POST Certification can assist agencies with legal defense against many potential litigation actions.    

The Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency understands the benefits of holding its in-house law enforcement division (Special Investigations Unit) to the high standards set by the State of California’s Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).