COPS Training Portal

The COPS Training Portal announces the availability of a new eLearning course, Expert Insights: Testifying in Court as a Drug Recognition Expert created by the Virginia Center for Policing Innovation (VCPI) in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Expert Insights: Testifying in Court as a Drug Recognition Expert is designed to support Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) as they prepare to appear as witnesses in drug-impaired driving trials. Throughout the course, experts in the fields of law enforcement and prosecution share advice on enhancing courtroom presence and testimony skills, in addition to examining some of the challenges of testifying in impaired driving cases.

This course explores the role of the DRE witness, fundamental courtroom rules and processes, case file preparation, and personal preparation, recognizing that the groundwork for successful testimony is multi-faceted.  Learners interact with the content sequentially, beginning with the preparation required before appearance as a DRE witness at a trial, the expert witness testimony during the direct examination, cross-examination by the defense attorney, and considerations after the conclusion of the trial.  

While tailored to officers who are DREs, this eLearning course is not part of the process of qualifying for or certifying an individual as a DRE. Expert Insights is intended for law enforcement officers who have previously completed the Drug Evaluation and Classification (DEC) Program or are already DREs. Although primarily intended for DREs, this course is also appropriate for prosecutors as a guide to working with DREs to prepare for drug-impaired driving trials.

Learners should expect to spend approximately 4 hours exploring the content and resources in this course.

Click here to get started!

The COPS Training Portal announces the availability of a unique new resource, Implementing a Public Safety Drone Program: Instructor-led Training Support Package (Drone ILTSP). Developed as a comprehensive training resource for in-person instruction, Drone ILT provides direct access to instructional materials addressing drone program implementation in a public safety setting.

Recently, a growing number of agencies have explored the use of drones as a promising new practice. To help guide public safety agencies through the process of establishing and implementing successful drone programs, the US Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services has partnered with the Virginia Center for Policing Innovation (VCPI) to create and make available the Implementing a Public Safety Drone Program: Instructor-led Training Support Package (Drone ILTSP).

Specifically, the Drone ILTSP includes downloadable versions of the following:

• Instructor Guide complete with a researched and cited instructional script
• Participant Guide that includes notes, exercises, and activity pages
• Pre- and post-course assessment and corresponding answer key
• Course media (case study videos) in standard, closed captioned (CC), and audio – description (AD) versions

Appropriate for delivery as an 8-hour, in-person training or segmented modular training, the Drone ILTSP course includes an examination of current credentialing requirements, the evolving nature of drone technology and associated regulations, as well as guidance for determining the scope of resources needed for successful implementation. All materials are designed to be fully accessible (508 compliant) and focus on engaging participants through carefully crafted discussions, activities, and case studies that encourage participants to learn from the experiences and insights shared by featured practitioners on the ways they use drone programs to support and enhance their service to the community.

Click here to access this resource!

The COPS Training Portal announces the availability of a new eLearning course, Place-Based Policing for Small and Rural Agencies, created by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).

Place-Based Policing for Small and Rural Agencies provides learners with the opportunity to explore concepts in various, applicable contexts.  The modules, designed for all law enforcement professionals, from leadership to frontline officers, demonstrate place-based policing practices that reduce crime and are specifically tailored to small and rural agencies. 

This eLearning course identifies evidence-based and emerging practices for place-based crime reduction strategies and translates them into action-based approaches tailored to small and rural agencies. Learners utilize case studies and interactive components to explore evidence-based policing practices, place-based practices, the use of data and technology, and how to utilize community-police engagement to implement place-based policing strategies.

This course is designed for public safety professionals affiliated with small and rural police agencies. Learners should expect to spend approximately 2 hours exploring the content and resources in this course.

Click here to get started!