Creation, delivery, and assessment of the livestock education and certification for agricultural law enforcement extension program

Abstract Text:

Many law enforcement and government agencies have dedicated law enforcement officers (LEOs) who respond to agricultural crime, agricultural inspection, urban/rural interface issues, and potential livestock neglect cases. These LEOs are potential Extension clients with educational needs. We partnered with Farm Bureau and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to develop and implement a training and certification program for Florida LEOs in the field of animal science. The accompanying certification program adds credibility to this clientele group when they present testimony in court and make difficult decisions in cases. Using backwards design methodology, a curriculum relevant to the needs of LEOs was developed and delivered by subject matter experts. A pilot program was delivered to a group of veteran LEOs in July 2014.  Survey and focus group data obtained from pilot participants were used to modify program content.  Three classes were offered to 52 individuals March, December 2015 and March 2016.  Instruction used a combination of classroom and experiential learning sessions utilizing applicable equipment and live animals. Daily homework assignments and quizzes were administered to enhance retention. Final assessment to achieve certification included six hands-on exercises to demonstrate proficiency and a written, multiple-choice examination. Statistical analysis of survey data was performed using the UNIVARIATE procedure in SAS (v9.2). 94% of the participants passed the certification requirements of the program and overall subject matter knowledge increased by 36%.  Likert scale responses (1 = very little, 2 = little, 3 = some, 4 = much, 5 = very much) regarding knowledge of 14 subject matter topics before (2.89 ± 0.11) and after (3.83 ± 0.07) indicated a mean increase of 0.91 ± 0.09 units. Subject matter knowledge with a >1 unit increase included: cattle (1.40 ± 0.15) and equine (1.43 ± 0.14) body condition scoring, equine behavior (1.00 ± 0.15) and learning lab (1.07 ± 0.12), and animal nutrition (1.13 ± 0.11). Likert scale responses (1 strongly disagree, 2 disagree, 3 neutral, 4 agree, 5 strongly agree) indicated usefulness of information to participants when working in the field (4.20 ± 0.10), participants feel better prepared to respond (4.20 ± 0.08), and instructors presented the material clearly (4.34 ± 0.07). The LECALE program addresses specific core curriculum to improve LEOs knowledge and skills.  Utilization of the LECALE program by Florida LEOs could result in a savings of nearly $2,500 per client compared to other national certifying services.

Keywords: Law enforcement, Livestock, Training