Time is running out! Get your annual training requirements through GPSTC Online now.
This is a friendly reminder that ALL sworn law enforcement officers in the state of Georgia are required to complete the Use of Force and De-escalation Options for Gaining Compliance (5 hr) online training course, or its POST approved equivalent, by no later than December 31, 2017.
In addition to this course, officers must also complete at least one elective course, or its POST approved equivalent, found online, as well.
Elective course options (choose at least one):
- Cultural Awareness (2 hr)
- Fostering Positive Community Relations (3 hr)
- Police Legitimacy and Procedural Justice for Community Relations (2 hr)
GPSTC’s online training courses allow officers to complete training at their own pace, without having to leave home, and at no cost to the agency for travel or manpower coverage.
Through the development of these courses, GPSTC answered the Governor’s call to create meaningful training to enhance officer’s understanding of the legal concepts and applications of the use of force and the best strategies to employ de-escalation techniques when appropriate. We recognize that these courses are much more comprehensive and, at times, challenging for some officers to complete than the 1-hour on-demand online courses we offer.
We also acknowledge that some students have voiced their dislike of the new online training format. However, this new format was adopted to provide a better user interface for students to utilize, allowing them to complete training more efficiently. Our statistics show that only 8% of our students have failed the Use of Force and De-escalation Options for Gaining Compliance online course, but 92% have passed this training course online, indicating that the new online training format is effective. It is important to remember that you only get one (1) attempt at the test, so you cannot start the test, leave the test, and then come back later. You also cannot “preview” the test, then study, then take the test. This restriction is critical to insuring we all comply with POST rules regarding testing.
We want to encourage our students to complete the required training as soon as possible, allowing enough time to fulfill the requirements for the year, without waiting until the last minute. The deadline for completion of this training is strictly by December 31, 2017 @ 11:59 p.m. Please be aware that GPSTC will not be staffed on December 30 – 31, so while the online classes will be available for completion until 11:59 on the 31st, we encourage you to complete the training prior to the close of business on December 29th, should you require technical support. No extensions will be permitted, per POST compliance rules.
Remember, we are always here to help you be successful and meet your annual training requirements. If you need assistance or have questions, call us at (478) 993-4263.