One of the biggest challenges any law enforcement professional faces is self-improvement while working rotating shifts. Between sleeping during different parts of the day, spending time with family, and handling personal duties/chores, making time for classes on any type of schedule is difficult at best. In answer to this challenge, Officer Media Group has launched the Officer Virtual Academy (OVA).
Upon launch on November 30, 2021, the OVA had 18 courses available for officers to take. Organized by Channel, just like the Officer.com website is, the courses are further organized into Learning Pods. For example, in the Investigation Channel, in the Crime Scene Investigation learning pod, there are two courses (as of this writing). There are three courses in the On The Street Channel and Firearms Retention learning pod.
Each course consists of one or more training videos, a downloadable course syllabus, a downloadable course handout (perfect for taking notes as officers watch the videos) and links to additional resources for reading or reference.
The courses are 100% free to take, supported by sponsorships from organizations that support the law enforcement industry. As an officer completes each course, for now dependent on watching all of the videos in each program, they are able to download and print out a Certificate of Completion.
At present, Officer Media Group anticipates adding 10-12 courses each year, gradually growing the topic material and law enforcement disciplines covered. As the Officer Virtual Academy grows and develops, the group also anticipates reaching a point where the courses are approved for in-service credit and/or continuing education credits.
To register and set up your free learning account, visit virtualacademy.officer.com and get started today.
