Park Safety Response

About the Course

Learn to recognize and identify key concepts within your agency, in your areas of responsibility, and among park users that pertain to safety. This course will also help you to implement initial steps to safeguard and mitigate risks from a front-line staff perspective. You should be able to articulate agency mission and policies surrounding creating safe environs for both users and staff.

About the Author

Hugo McPhee has almost years of law enforcement experience and is currently the Director of Public Safety for the Three Rivers Park District in Minnesota. Hugo has a diverse leadership background and has presented nationally on a variety of topics, most recently presenting at a mini-conference in Washington D.C. for the US State Department on anti-terrorism and on park leadership in San Marcos, Texas. Hugo has created and presented curriculum for the Miami-Dade County Parks Enforcement Division, the Somali National Police, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and Metropolitan State University, where he also serves as Community Faculty in the Criminal Justice Department. Hugo is a past president for the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association and National Park Law Enforcement Association, where he also serves as conference planner.

Course Schedule

This certificate program is self-paced allowing you flexibility in the time needed to complete the courses. After completing the first course, Foundations of Park Safety, you decide the order and progression you’d like to take, allowing you to revisit and review sections in greater depth as needed.

Elements of the course:

• Informational text
• Real world examples and case studies
• Interactive learning opportunities
• Informal quizzes
• Final assessment

Following the course, you will complete an assessment which requires you to demonstrate your understanding of key course concepts. A post-course assignment relating to the course content is also required and will take between 1-2 hours to complete. Upon successful completion of these activities you will be awarded an electronic certificate of completion.

Course Chapters

• Safety in Your Agency
• Agency Approach to Safety
• Ethical Behavior
• Creating a Welcoming Environment

Course Objectives

After completing this course, learners should be able to:

• Articulate agency mission and values relating to safety
• Explain agency policies relating to safety
• Describe common safety issues that occur in parks
• Define ethical behavior when dealing with park visitors and agency staff
• Describe sensitivity to the needs of park visitors of all abilities and cultures

Recommended Background

This course of study is intended for front line park and recreation agency employees, but may be applicable to those in similar fields. There are no required prerequisites to take this course.

FAQ

Aside from an internet connection, what resources will I need for the course?

No additional resources are required for this course.

Will I get a certificate after completing the course?

Yes! All courses include a final assessment to evaluate your understanding of key course concepts. A certificate of completion will be offered to you if you complete the assessment with a score of 80% or higher.

Why should I take this course?

Each Eppley e-course is designed collaboratively among experienced instructional designers, subject matter experts, and our partner organizations and institutions. The course curriculum includes current information and best practices in the field, and it is recognized by national leaders in parks, recreation, and land management. Not only will this course benefit your career by expanding your knowledge base, but it will also enhance your application and problem-solving skills.

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