Better Trained, Better Decisions, Better Results

PATROL Online Law Enforcement Training Proves Effective in the Field

Law enforcement agencies are facing increased scrutiny from the public. In this environment, it is critical to provide deputies the training they need to carry out duties effectively and within the letter and spirit of the law. Well-trained peace officers make better decisions in the field, which contributes to increased public safety while reducing members’ losses. PATROL (Peace officer Accredited Training Online) is an effective tool law enforcement can use to make this happen.

PATROL is a Web-based, on-demand training program that enables deputies to meet most of their annual classroom training requirements without taking time off of work or incurring travel expenses (e.g., mileage, lodging, food) and overtime pay. The program provides up to 40 Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) credits if individuals complete all sessions, while fulfilling seven Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training standards and classroom requirements for use of force.

54 percent of PATROL participants use class information on the job at least weekly; another 35 percent use the information on the job at least monthly.

Training Is Specific to Minnesota Laws and Safety Standards

PATROL is designed to address training needs of law enforcement within the state. It is sponsored by the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association, Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust and League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust.

Courses are specific to Minnesota laws and safety standards, and address:

• Annual requirements:
  • Use of force classroom training (legal issues, deadly force and readiness aspects)
  • Crisis intervention
  • Conflict management
  • Community diversity
  • Autism
  • AWAIR (a workplace accident and injury reduction program)
  • Blood borne pathogens
  • Employee right to know
  • Hazardous materials awareness level 1 (parts 1 and 2)
  • Hearing conservation
  • Lead protection
  • Personal protective equipment
  • Portable fire extinguishers
  • Respiratory protection for law enforcement 
• Hot topics in law enforcement
• Case law explanations
• Professionalism
• Supervisory courses:
  • Leaders and Followers
  • Power and Influence
  • Human Behavior and Motivation
  • Mentoring, Goal Setting and Performance Counseling
  • Liability Prevention and Risk Management
• Areas where deputies may need refresher training, such as:
  • Critical Incidents
  • Ethical Use of Computers and Databases
  • Professional Conduct and Ethics 
  • Line of Duty Injuries and Prevention
  • To Protect, Serve and Document Parts 1 and 2
  • Miranda Parts 1 and 2
  • Line of Duty Injuries and Prevention
  • Policing Protests
  • Preventing Harmful Workplace Behavior

Users Praise Program

“I have never completed a PATROL course and felt I had questions that were not answered in the material. I have been to few in-person courses that had a quiz at the end that ensures you have an understanding and working knowledge of the material.” 
—Lyons County Sheriff’s Office sergeant

“I have heard excellent comments about PATROL, and I have personally reviewed the courses and their content. We should have done this several years ago.” 
—Polk County sheriff just after first subscribing

“The content is always very relevant. I like that the course content is consistently updated to reflect new and/or changing laws.” 
—Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office chief deputy

“[PATROL] allows us to audit the deputies’ progress and hold people accountable for their training.” 
—Carlton County Sheriff’s Office patrol sergeant

“We have always had strong support with the system when we need help from customer service.” 
—Scott County Sheriff’s Office captain

Learn More About PATROL and Enroll

• Download the PATROL flier for details about how the program can help sheriff’s offices meet their classroom training needs.
• Visit the PATROL website for general information, frequently asked questions and a free 30-day trial of the program 
• Contact Ashley Edwardson with PATROL at aedwardson@lmc.org or 651.281.1268. MCIT member sheriff’s offices are eligible for the discounted annual subscription rate of $90 per person, which is about $1.80 per course.