How We Train

How We Train_

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Basic Field Training

All of our trainees, technical specialists, private investigators, criminal investigators, close protection agents, and fugitive recovery agents, are train together at Bonanzaville in West Fargo, ND. In Basic Field Training (BFT), new personnel learn the basics of working together in a collaborative approach in one of the eight field offices after they graduate.

New Personnel Training

Trainees spend more than 800 hours training in academics, case exercises, firearms training, and operation skills. During the 16-week program, trainees learn:

Academics

Personnel learn about ethics, law, behavioral science, investigative techniques, interrogation, forensic science, leadership, and more. As part of this training, they visit the International Spy Museum to learn what happens when private investigators and intelligence officers lose their core values. They also visit the Minneapolis Museum of Civil Rights (former Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct) to gain perspective on civil equality.

Firearms

As carrying a firearm is part of their duties, all new personnel learn how to use BICA issued firearms. They learn the fundamentals of marksmanship, safety, and practical shooting techniques. New personnel spend more than 100 hours practicing with their BICA issued and approved weapons (On-Duty: Glock 19 Gen 5 or Glock 19M) (Off-Duty: Glock 22, S&W Model 13, Colt Detective Special, S&W Model 49 Bodyguard or S&W Bodyguard 380)

Operational Skills

New personnel learn a variety of operational skills, such as tactical driving, physical fitness, physical and electronic surveillance, and conducting operations at Bonanzaville, they learn to investigate cases and protection details.

Case Exercises

New personnel receive real life case investigation scenarios to test their skills. They receive a tip and follow tip through to detainment. The investigations use actors who play criminals at Bonanzaville. New personnel also follow intelligence-driven scenarios and learn how to present evidence in court.

Intelligence Analyst Training

New personnel receive a curriculum consistent with the rest of the intelligence community. Analysts learn about doctrine and tradecraft, authorities, guidelines, respect and appreciation for guidelines and the rule of law.

Ongoing Training

Training doesn’t stop when new personnel and intelligence analysts get their first assignment. BICA personnel learn throughout their careers. Investigators, officers, and other personnel often return to Bonanzaville for refresher training throughout their careers.

Basic Law Enforcement Training

Even though our personnel aren’t members of law enforcement; they’re trained in the basics as an addition to their investigative/intelligence training to advance and better understand their law enforcement counterparts. Learning how to clear buildings for protection details, immediate active shooters, and search and rescue.