While most police officer training takes place in person at a local police academy, online courses can provide additional training and education.
Many different training programs are available online to give law enforcement officers stay up to date on the latest skills and techniques.
Online training courses are typically intended for active law enforcement officers but are open to anyone interested in the topics covered.
Because these programs are typically asynchronous, you can get the training you need while still working full-time.
Top Online Police Officer Courses and Classes
Do you want to become a police officer?
Keep reading for more specific details on some of the best police officer courses and classes that are available 100% online.
1. COPS Training Portal
The COPS Training Portal offers numerous training courses focusing on a community policing perspective to supplement regular police training.
Courses are available in the following general areas:
- Community Policing
- Drug Awareness and Enforcement
- Legal
- Traffic Safety
- Child and Youth Safety
- Crime Prevention
- Leadership
- Officer Wellness and Safety
- Tribal Policing
These asynchronous courses feature training videos, case studies, simulation-based activities, and other resources.
All courses on the platform are free of charge and available anytime, anywhere on multiple digital devices after you register for free.
2. Officer Virtual Academy
Officer Virtual Academy provides self-paced online training courses for municipal and state police or anyone interested in police techniques.
More than 30 courses are available, including:
- Active Shooter Media Management
- Active Shooter Response Protocols
- Backup and Secondary Weapons Selection
- Basic Attack Defense
- Basic Crime Scene Reconstruction
The platform also includes eight courses that are approved for police in-service credits in the state of Maryland.
All courses on the platform are offered free of charge and include a quiz at the end of the course along with a certificate of completion.
3. PoliceOne Academy
PoliceOne Academy has online training programs available for both individuals and whole departments.
General areas in which courses are available include:
- Active Shooter
- Health and Wellness for Police
- Investigative Skills
- Law Enforcement Technology
- Report Writing
- Firearms Training
The Academy also has intermediate certification courses available for Texas law enforcement officers in the following areas:
- Arrest, Search, and Seizure
- Child Abuse Prevention
- Racial Profiling
- Human Trafficking
Individual subscriptions to the Academy start at $99 for a year and grant you access to all courses and materials.
4. Southern New Hampshire University
If you're ready to take your law enforcement career to the next level, get an online bachelor's degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
This degree is designed for law enforcement officers who want to advance into police administration and operations.
The program features asynchronous classes so you can earn your degree on your terms while still working full-time.
Tuition for the program starts at $330 per credit hour. Scholarships and financial aid packages are available for all qualifying students.
5. Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) offers several law enforcement training courses 100% online.
All available courses are asynchronous, self-paced, and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for your convenience.
Law enforcement courses available include:
- Basic Criminal Investigation
- Death Investigation
- Human Trafficking
- Legislative Update
- Identity Theft Crimes
- Racial Profiling
Courses are $97 each and include in-service credit hours for all law enforcement officers in Texas.
6. Vector Solutions
Vector Solutions has more than 250 hours of law enforcement continuing education courses available online.
The platform includes comprehensive law enforcement training in the following areas:
- Patrol
- Driver Training for Police
- Investigation
- Officer Survival
Vector's training courses are available to full departments as well as individuals and are sold through representatives.
If you're interested in checking out Vector's training courses, the platform offers a free demo so you can see if it would work out for you.
7. Virtual Academy
Virtual Academy offers comprehensive online training programs for full law enforcement departments as well as individuals.
With these asynchronous courses, you have access to training when and where you need it without interrupting your busy schedule.
Courses available through the Virtual Academy platform include the following areas, among others:
- General Patrol
- Telecommunications
- Investigation
- School Safety
- Constitutional Criminal Law and Procedure
Virtual Academy offers a one-year individual subscription to the platform for $69, which grants you access to all available courses.
FAQs about Police Officer Courses and Classes
Read on for answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about police officer courses and classes available online.
Can Police Officers Get Training Online?
They sure can! While online training is no substitute for in-person training, there are plenty of online training options available.
Online training allows officers to stay up-to-date on law enforcement techniques and methods while still working full-time.
What Kind of Training Do Police Officers Need?
In addition to the regular police academy, most state and local police departments require officers to complete additional training each year.
This in-service training is necessary to ensure that police officers stay up to date on the latest policing technology and regulations.
Do You Need a Degree to Be a Police Officer?
No, in most cases you don't need any specific degree to be a police officer. However, a degree can open the door to more opportunities.
Many online bachelor's degrees are available to choose from and are flexible for those with busy schedules.
If you want to work in law enforcement administration, a bachelor's degree in law enforcement or criminal justice will get you there.
Find the Right School for Police Officer Courses and Classes Today
If you're already in law enforcement or hoping to start a career as a police officer, an online training course is your path to success.
