The California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) recognizes the transformative power of distance learning in delivering readily accessible, high-quality, and efficient training. The Distance Learning Grant Program (DLGP) is designed to fully develop and facilitate superior training delivery and broaden equitable access to learning opportunities utilizing distance learning methodologies. A cornerstone of this grant program is the mandate that all developed courses must be available to law enforcement professionals throughout California via platforms like the Ca Post Learning Portal.
This grant initiative aims to award funding to develop and deliver training across five critical program areas: Use of Force and De-escalation, Implicit Bias and Racial Profiling, Community Policing, Cultural Diversity, and Organizational Wellness.
The DLGP seeks to competitively award funds to eligible public entities for the creation, delivery, and dissemination of innovative training solutions through distance learning modalities. The intended recipients of this training are California law enforcement personnel working for POST-participating agencies, as defined under Penal Code §13522 et seq. This program addresses immediate social distancing needs and anticipates the long-term effects of potential budget reductions at state and local levels, as well as decreased discretionary spending for training.
DLGP grants support the development and delivery of training in synchronous (instructor-led), asynchronous (self-paced), or hybrid formats. All training must be conducted by subject matter experts approved by the POST Program Coordinator.
A key requirement of the DLGP is that all online distance learning resources created must be accessible to all law enforcement personnel across the state. Developed courses can be hosted on agency Learning Management Systems (LMS), the ca post learning portal, synchronous online meeting platforms, or a combination of these. All available courses will be listed on the POST website, enhancing discoverability and access.
Training programs developed or supported through this grant must achieve POST certification before any instruction commences. Grant recipients are required to create a proposed course budget, compliant with POST Regulation §1054), including an anticipated per-student cost (tuition) for evaluation and reimbursement purposes. Crucially, grant recipients are prohibited from charging student tuition for any course or workshop developed or delivered under this program during the grant period, ensuring barrier-free access to vital training resources through platforms like the ca post learning portal.
Grant recipients are strongly encouraged to develop and utilize curriculum that is evidence-based or evidence-informed. Learning outcomes should be both observable and measurable, employing proven distance learning training methodologies. As a condition of receiving the grant, recipients will be required to evaluate their programs to demonstrate their effectiveness and to ensure that the outcomes of distance learning are equivalent to, or exceed, those of traditional classroom-based courses. This rigorous evaluation process ensures the quality and impact of training delivered through initiatives like the ca post learning portal.
Innovative strategies, concepts, and methodologies in training development and delivery are highly encouraged under this grant program, fostering advancements in law enforcement education and accessibility through resources like the ca post learning portal.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligible Applicants:
- Public Agency
Grant eligibility is limited to qualified governmental entities and non-profit law enforcement educational institutions, including community colleges, California State University, and University of California systems. This ensures that institutions with a proven track record in public service and education are at the forefront of developing and delivering critical training through the ca post learning portal and similar platforms.
Eligible Geographies:
Statewide. The program’s statewide reach ensures that all California law enforcement personnel, regardless of location, can benefit from these enhanced training opportunities, primarily through accessible platforms such as the ca post learning portal.
