The Staff Services Division is organized under the Support Services Bureau and is primarily responsible for the tracking, training and education of police officers from their initial hiring through their career into retirement. With a staff of seven sworn members and two civilians, the Staff Services Division is divided into three distinct groups with specific roles and responsibilities:

The Training Unit, and training coordinator Sgt. William Sandman, is responsible for providing in-service training of all sworn personnel, coordination of outside training groups, and review and approval of all specialized training such as SWAT, Dive Team, Bomb Squad, etc. The Training Unit also coordinates and schedules mandatory Florida POST (Police Officer Standards and Training) training to ensure that the training requirements are met for national and state accreditation. This unit also conducts “briefing room” training as well as computer based training. Sgt. Sandman and the two officers assigned to this unit, oversee the issuance of department weapons and are responsible for the maintenance, training and certification of these weapons, including less than lethal weapons such as pepper spray, batons and tasers. In-service training covers a wide range of topics including defensive driving, defensive tactics, CPR and human diversity and racial profiling. Anyone interested in obtaining more information on classes offered by the training unit can contact Sgt. Sandman at 822-1898.

The Staff Inspections/Accreditation Unit, commanded by Sgt. David Howard, is responsible for achieving and maintaining both CFA ( Florida ) and CALEA (National) accreditation for the police department. The purpose of becoming an accredited agency is to show the community that we are a professional organization that is committed to meet the professional standards that have been set by both of these respected organizations. By achieving this position, the West Palm Beach Police Department is one of only a handful of departments within the state that have dual certification. The Staff Inspections arm of this unit is responsible for examining and verifying that every division within the department is operating efficiently and effectively. Inspections are conducted both routinely and unannounced and deficiencies are immediately corrected. This program, along with accreditation, assures the citizens that their department remains professional and proficient in providing services to the community.

In addition to training and inspections, the Staff Services Division is responsible for recruitment, placement and tracking of new police officers from their initial application, through the police academy, to their final placement within the department. Staff Services maintains all records regarding each department member including training and certifications and is responsible for both civilian and sworn applicant background investigations. Questions concerning the Staff Services Division or to request an application for employment can be directed to Jackie Vega at 822-1894.