Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL INFORMATION
Are you looking for support for the COPS Training Portal Mobile app? Visit the Mobile App Knowledge Base.
What is the COPS Training Portal?
The COPS Training Portal (the Portal) is a convenient, no-cost learning platform for law enforcement and community partners, providing access to interactive online training and resources on emerging public safety topics. It was created by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office).
What is the COPS Office?
The COPS Office is the component of the U.S. Department of Justice responsible for advancing the practice of community policing by the nation’s state, local, territorial, and tribal law enforcement agencies through information and grant resources.
What types of content can be found on the Portal?
The Portal hosts a variety of on-demand training courses and resources in emerging public safety topics. All of the content on the Portal may be used in a variety of ways, though the instructional materials, such as the video series that are offered, are ideal for use within roll calls or other departmental trainings, and the eLearning courses are well-suited for individual professional development. Visit the catalog to browse the courses and resources available.
Registrations and Enrollments
How do I create an account?
To enroll in courses or to access resources, you must first create an account by selecting the “Sign Up/Login” button at the top right-hand corner of the homepage and by choosing the “Create new account” option. Fill in the required information and then check your email to verify your account.
How do I enroll in courses?
Visit the catalog to view the selection of courses available. To enroll in a specific course, select the course’s image or the “View more” button. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and select the “Enroll me” button.
Can my agency or organization register personnel?
Yes! Organizations who wish to use the Portal for agency/organization-wide training can reach out to [email protected] to learn more about the registration options available. There is no cost and no limit to the number of personnel associated with this capability.
Can my agency or organization enroll personnel in courses or resources?
Yes! Organizations who wish to use the Portal for agency/organization-wide training can reach out to [email protected] to learn more about the enrollment options available. There is no cost and no limit to the number of personnel associated with this capability.
E-LEARNING
Who creates the content found on the Portal?
The content found on the Portal comes from a variety of sources, including organizations who receive grant funding from the COPS Office, other offices within the Department of Justice, and by organizations who have contracts with the Department of Justice, to name a few. Visit our Learning Partners page to learn more about the content developers.
Are e-Learning courses free?
Yes! All the eLearning courses on the Portal are free and are available for anyone to take, from community members interested in community policing to entire law enforcement organizations.
How long does it take to complete a course?
The courses on the Portal vary in length. Many course descriptions offer a course length; however, each course is self-paced, allowing participants to start, stop, and resume the course based on the demands of their schedule.
Do eLearning courses require assessments?
Yes. Each course requires a pre-test and a post-test. Your score on the pre-test will not be displayed or shared. The purpose of the pre-test is to help evaluate the effectiveness of the eLearning course; while individual improvement is not tracked, aggregate growth between pre- and post-test scores is reviewed. Post-test scores are shared with learners and all courses will require at least a minimum post-test score of 80% in order to receive your certificate of completion.
Do I need to attest to an Honor Code as a part of course completion?
Yes. Prior to receiving a certificate of completion, each learner will be required to attest to having completed the course fully. The Honor Code is: “I hereby attest that I have completed the full course. By clicking “yes” I confirm that I have personally reviewed all required material presented in this course, and any credit requested will reflect actual time spent participating in the web-based training, and does not exceed the estimated number of completion hours detailed in the course description.”
Do courses in the Portal expire or reset?
Yes. Portal course sessions run January 1 – December 31 of each year. Course content must be completed by December 31 in order to earn your certificate. Learners who have completed a course within an active session will continue to have access to the course materials and certificate after the session ends.
Can I take the same course more than once?
Yes! Portal courses can be taken more than once. During the course session (Jan 1 – Dec 31), the certificate can only be earned once. Course materials will remain available to review throughout the session. After the session has been completed, the course will reset and you can enroll and take it again to receive a new certificate.
How do I access a course certificate at a later time?
Learners will always have access to certificates for any completed courses. To view, download, or print your certificate, log into the Portal, select your name in the top-right corner, select Profile, and then select My Certificates.
Are e-learning courses certified for law enforcement continuing education credit?
Certification of eLearning courses varies by state. However, all courses in the Portal meet COPS Office standards and are DOJ-vetted. Many state and local organizations may offer credits. To receive continuing education credit, learners should follow their organization’s procedures for certifying eLearning and multimedia training. For more details, visit our State Approved Courses page.
IN-PERSON TRAINING
How do I register for in-person courses?
The COPS Office awards funding to organizations for the development and delivery of a variety of in–person and classroom–based training programs. Each organization provides information regarding registration on its individual website. Visit our In-Person Training page to learn more about the trainings offered.
Are in-person trainings free?
A variety of organizations develop and deliver in–person and classroom–based training programs. Each organization handles the registration and scheduling of its own courses. More detailed information is available on the course provider’s individual website. Visit our In-Person Training page to learn more about the trainings offered.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
What are the minimum system requirements for accessing e-Learning courses?
Portal learners will need access to a computer with reliable internet connection and speakers. For optimal functionality in this system, the COPS Training Portal Team recommends using Google Chrome or any browser other than Internet Explorer and Safari. Learners accessing the COPS Training Portal via the Internet Explorer or Safari browsers typically encounter technical difficulties. The COPS Training Portal also has an app! Simply visit the app store on your Android or Apple device to download it.
What if I didn't receive an account confirmation or password reset email?
If the email to confirm an account and/or reset a password is not received within 5 minutes, participants should check their spam/junk folder. If the email is not there, contact the Portal Team via email at [email protected] or by phone at 1-833-650-7910 for help confirming the account or resetting a password.
Who should I contact for technical support?
If you are experiencing issues with any portion of the Portal or its contents, contact us via email at [email protected] or by phone at 1-833-650-7910.