-
Views
-
Cite
Cite
C. Wickens, M. Hersom, E. Jennings, B. Stice, J. Shuffitt, J. Brown, 015 Evaluating the Post-Course Application of the Livestock Education and Certification for Agricultural Law Enforcement (LECALE) Extension Curriculum, Journal of Animal Science, Volume 95, Issue suppl_1, December 2016, Page 08, https://doi.org/10.2527/ssasas2017.015
Close - Share Icon Share
Abstract
Many law enforcement and government agencies have dedicated law enforcement officers (LEOs) who respond to agricultural crime, inspection, urban/rural interface issues, and livestock neglect cases. We developed a training and certification program for LEOs in the field of animal science. Three classes were offered to 52 individuals in a 12-month period. Instruction used a combination of classroom and experiential learning sessions. 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. A total of 94% of the participants passed the certification requirements and overall subject matter knowledge increased by 36%. Likert scale responses (1 to 5 = very little to 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 (UNIVARIATE procedure of SAS, v9.2). Topics with a >1 unit increase included: cattle and equine BCS, equine behavior and learning lab, and nutrition. Our objective was to evaluate the post-course application of the LECALE curriculum. An online survey instrument was developed (QualtricsTM) and distributed to LECALE attendees (n = 50) in June 2016. Twenty-five attendees participated in the survey (50% response rate) providing representation from all three courses (n = 12, 5, 8). Time between completion of the course and administration of the survey was 15, 6, and 3 months, respectively. The majority of attendees agreed that as a result of the topics presented in the LECALE course, they have been and continue to be better prepared when responding to livestock calls (animal identification = 92%, cattle behavior = 96%, equine behavior = 92%, cattle and equine BCS = 94%, euthanasia and disposal = 92%). Attendees indicated they often refer to the information provided during the course regarding horses (66.7%) and cattle (58.3%). Attendees agreed they have been and continue to be better prepared to respond to livestock calls as a result of field trips provided during the course (equine retirement home and beef cattle research unit visits = 91.6%). 33.3% indicated they have utilized the eXtension Horses Body Condition Score app since attending the course. Results indicate that the LECALE program improved the ability of LEOs to perform their job duties. Post-course survey responses are also being utilized to further enhance the LECALE curriculum.
