Portal to Another Dimension: Enhancing eLearning with the COPS Office

Monday, October 16, 2023

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM PST

Location: Room: 6D

Submitter and Speaker(s)

Jeremy Kommel-Bernstein

Policy Analyst
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Sheila Gunderman, CAE

Director of Programs
National Center for Policing Innovation
Richmond, Virginia, United States
Rob Chapman

Deputy Director
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
CM

Chuck Miller

Advanced Training Manager
Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board
Pheonix, Arizona, United States

Speaker(s)

Stephen Boehm

Deputy Chief
Metro Transit Police Department. Washington, District of Columbia
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Christine Frank, M Ed

Highway Safety Specialist
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Despite low budgets and staffing, the public is demanding more and better training for police. Using COPS Office training, the Washington Metro Transit (WMATA) Police Department has been able to meet high standards for training while maximizing the effectiveness and impact of training funds, mandating certain trainings for all agency staff while selectively assigning others to specific units and personnel. This panel will examine WMATA's use of the COPS Training Portal, how it has enhanced their staff's understanding of community policing principles and other vital tools, and how that effect can be shared across agencies of all sizes and types. Panelists will also discuss the importance of developing high quality, engaging eLearning courses to ensure long-term effectiveness and impact.