Recently, there have been several instances where a new inspector (i.e., one who just completed NAS Part A or B), was unable to complete their initial certification inspections due to situations beyond their control (e.g., administrative leave or job related injury). Currently, Operational Policy 4 does not allow an extension for initial certification. If the new inspector does not complete their initial inspections within six months of taking the written exam, they must challenge the exam. If they are not successful on their one opportunity to challenge the exam, they must retake the entire course. In the case of NAS Part A failure, they would have to retake both weeks of class (Part A & B).

Due to unpredictable circumstances in law enforcement, there are times a new inspector is unable to complete their inspections. We have had recent instances where a member was placed on administrative leave, such as following an officer involved shooting, and the leave extends beyond the 6 month mark. We have also had members injured, both off-duty and on-duty, and they are not released to return to full duty until after the six month time frame.

These unfortunate events out of the inspector's control, has forced them to retake written exams and sometimes retake the entire course when they have failed the written exams.

I am requesting a committee review Operational Policy 4, and consider adding an allowance for all initial inspections due to unforeseen circumstances as listed above. I would recommend no more than three months, just as is allowed for an extension of maintenance inspections currently.

I would recommend the extension be granted at the discretion the lead agency and used in very limited circumstances.

I would also suggest that the inspector must still complete 32 inspections within 6 months, even if given an extension. For example, if a student passes their exam on March 1st, they would be allowed six months to complete their initial 32 inspections (September 1st). If the inspector is unable to complete the inspections due to extenuating circumstances as described by September 1st, they could be allowed three more months (December 1st). However, to ensure the new inspector is competent, I feel those 32 inspections need to be completed within 6 months of the new extended deadline (December 1st), meaning if they completed 20 of the inspections in March and April, the new inspector would still need to complete 32 between June 1st and December 1st.