Course detail: Post Academy Training (P.A.T. School): Patrol Investigations

Course Description: 
This course explores the patrol officer's critical role in initiating and conducting criminal investigations. Patrol officers are often the first to arrive at crime scenes, making their ability to recognize, secure, and investigate incidents vital for both immediate response and long-term case outcomes. Students will strengthen their observational, analytical, and decision-making skills while developing investigative techniques that align with legal standards and agency protocols.

Instruction emphasizes scene security and management, lawful and effective interactions with victims, witnesses, and suspects, and the proper collection and preservation of evidence. The course also addresses when and how to transition cases to specialized units, navigate complex scenarios such as drug activity or mental health crises, and support victims through trauma-informed practices. Learning is reinforced through realistic scenarios, role-play exercises, and applied case studies that replicate real-world patrol contexts. 

Core Competency:
The trained officer will be able to analyze interactions and physical evidence involving victims, suspects, and witnesses in order to identify potential criminal activity, initiate an appropriate investigative response, and ensure legal compliance and evidentiary preservation.

Learning Objectives: 
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Secure and manage crime scenes to protect evidence and maintain integrity.
  • Conduct safe, lawful contacts with citizens, victims, witnesses, and suspects.
  • Interview and analyze statements to identify crimes and appropriate actions.
  • Collect and document evidence while following legal and safety requirements.
  • Address special situations such as drug activity, mental health issues, or complex cases.
  • Prepare lawful reports and documentation, including suspect identifications and search warrants.
  • Assist victims and transition cases to detectives or specialized units when appropriate.
Key Topics Covered:
  • Initial Response and Tactical Decision-Making: Participants will learn to recognize and respond to criminal activity swiftly and decisively. They will analyze real-time situations, applying critical thinking skills to make sound tactical decisions in high-pressure environments.
  • Stress Management and Resilience: Stress can impact an officer's performance and well-being. This course delves into the effects of stress on the human body and equips participants with stress reduction techniques. They will gain an appreciation for how stress management positively influences their quality of life and job performance.
  • Handling Unknown-Risk Situations: Officers will evaluate and apply basic concepts and tactics for approaching, controlling, and intervening in situations with unknown risks, such as ongoing deadly assaults. They will explore strategies to mitigate potential dangers.
  • Crime Scene Management: Participants will learn how to take control of crime scenes efficiently and effectively. This includes initiating the investigation process while ensuring the safety and security of all involved.
  • First Aid and Hazard Mitigation: Officers will be trained to provide first aid as primary or supporting responders, assisting other on-scene personnel in mitigating hazards. This knowledge is crucial for preserving life and safety.
  • Safety, Tactics, and Tools: The course will delve into general safety measures, positional tactics, space management, communication strategies, and various use-of-force options. Officers will gain a comprehensive understanding of law enforcement tools and their appropriate use.
  • Strategic Response Planning: Participants will analyze and plan law enforcement responses to diverse calls for service, including crimes in progress. They will consider the potential risks to themselves, fellow first responders, and the community, employing a strategic approach.
  • Major Incident Response: This segment covers the principles of responding to major incidents, including the benefits of setting up perimeters (hot/warm/cold zones). Officers will learn how to coordinate with mutual aid, support agencies, and responding units effectively.
  • Threat Assessment and Management: Officers will identify and proactively address threats to their safety and the safety of others when responding to calls and conducting law enforcement duties. They will utilize all necessary lawful and appropriate tools, tactics, and techniques.
  • Use of Force Options: Participants will consider the escalation and de-escalation of force options when detaining, arresting, and controlling individuals. They will evaluate risk factors and make informed decisions.
  • Legal and Policy Considerations: The course examines the legal and policy limitations on the use of force and provides strategies to minimize liabilities. This includes post-incident care for individuals involved in law enforcement encounters.
Methodology:
  • Scenario-based exercises; role-play interviews; case study reviews; practical drills; guided group discussions; and written assignments will be conducted. 
Student Equipment: 

  • Daily Patrol Uniform with Duty Belt and/or Outer Carrier Vest. Additional information will be shared closer to the start date of the class through email. 
Target Audience: 
  • Newer certified officers 1-3 years of service

Prerequisites
  • Must complete Maintaining the Profession and Patrol Responder prior to attending Patrol Investigations
Fitness Requirement and Expectation of Physical Risk: Active






Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend University of Kansas sponsored events. If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in an event, please email KLETC or call 620.694.1400 at least three weeks before the first day of the event. Some events may require notice earlier than three weeks and require you contact a specific individual; if so, that information is provided in the event-specific information.





Notice of Availability of the KLETC Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

 

The University of Kansas has determined that the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) main campus in Hutchinson and its regional sites in Dodge City, Hays, and Parsons are separate campuses. This determination was made in consultation with the Department of Education. The report is available online at: https://civilrights.ku.edu/clery.

 

The report contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking; the procedures the institution will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred On-Campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Non-Campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the institution or a recognized student organization; and on Public Property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.

 

A paper copy of the report will be provided upon request. If you would like to receive a paper copy, you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling 785-864-6414 or emailing civilrights@ku.edu or arrange for pick-up at a KLETC location.



Course pre-requisites
(required) Maintaining the Profession
(required) Patrol Responder

 Session Information: LE26137F

Schedule: Every day, starting on 11/03/25 and ending on 11/05/25
Times: 08:00am-05:00pm CST
Registration Fee : $200.00

Add-ons

Every day, starting on 11/02/25 and ending on 11/04/25
08:00am-05:00pm CDT
 

Bulletin

Students will need: Daily Patrol Uniform with Duty Belt and/or Outer Carrier Vest

Instructors

Name Additional Resources
Steve Symonds
Ian Fulks

Facility Detail

KLETC Campus
Integrity Auditorium
11009 S. Hornet Road
Hutchinson, KS 67501
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Facility Resources
KLETC Building Directory (PDF Document)
Driving Directions - KLETC (PDF Document)
CE Rules and Regulations (PDF Document)

Integrity Auditorium

Cancellation Policy

A refund less a $25.00 cancellation fee will be assessed for all cancellations made in writing prior to 10 days before the start of the event. After that time, no refunds will be made.