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Online training for MN officers
Policing is noble work, done by noble people. By embracing constitutional principles, officers are better able to honorably serve their communities.
True North Constitutional Policing is a POST-approved, five-part online training series offered at no charge for Minnesota law enforcement officers. Its purpose is to inspire law enforcement to look inward and help reaffirm their commitment to embracing Constitutional principles as the unchanging True North compass point for making challenging, tough decisions.
As a law enforcement officer, you have accepted an important calling. Let True North be your guide.
Get started
To get started on your training, you’ll need to create an account and log in.
If you are a member of LMCIT’s PATROL training program, simply log in to your PATROL account and access the series under Current Courses.
If you are not a PATROL member, take the following steps:
- Create an account here. You will only need to visit this page once to create an account.
- Log in to your account here. Once you’ve created your account (or if you already have a True North Constitutional Policing account), use this link to log back into your account to continue your True North training.
Course structure
The True North online training program — free for all Minnesota law enforcement officers — includes five modules, which cover key topics such as the historical conditions that gave rise to the Bill of Rights, the current social issues that draw parallels to U.S. history, and the role of policing in a free society.
POST credits
This innovative, relevant and flexible training program was created in partnership with 14 law enforcement agencies in Minnesota. The Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) has approved this training for five credit hours, in partial satisfaction of the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 626.8469, relating to the following learning objectives:
- Recognizing and Valuing Community Diversity and Cultural Differences to Include Implicit Bias Training: Objectives 1, 2, and 3 inclusive; and
- Conflict Management and Mediation: Objectives 1, 2, and 3 inclusive.
Modules
The training modules are self-directed online learning that you can access and complete at your convenience.
A Noble Calling
This module highlights the nobility of law enforcement service, and traces and considers what community members appreciate and value in the officers who serve them. It explores and contrasts differences between “noble officers” and “noble cause policing,” as well as the elements of procedural justice used in building legitimacy and respect with the community being served.
A Revolution to a Constitution
This module provides a brief review of individual constitutional protections, police authority, and the sacred oaths officers take to safeguard personal freedoms. It also explores the historical passions of our nation’s founders against unreasonable searches and seizures. Learners will consider this history, the exclusionary rule, and wrestle with how it all applies to ever-changing technology.
Justice for All
This module explores the history of policing in America, with a focus on periods of racial inequality and social conflict. It explores the science of implicit bias and its role in human decision-making. Learners will examine pretext stops, racial profiling, and adverse impacts of bias on the communities they serve.
Rules of Fair Play
This module explains what the Constitution says about writing reports, testifying in court, and taking people’s “stuff.”
The Stories They’ll Tell
This module considers the question, “What is noble policing?” It explores the roles of individual integrity, personal accountability, agency culture, and ethical decision-making in sustaining a foundation of community trust. It helps guide learners in answering questions such as, “Will you be remembered for living a life of noble service? What will your legacy be?”
FAQs
How much does it cost to participate in the training?
Currently, there is no cost for this online police training. True North Policing is free to all Minnesota law enforcement personnel.
How long will it take to complete the training?
The entire training series takes about 4-5 hours to complete, but it is self-paced and learners can start and stop the training as their schedules dictate. POST credits will only be given to learners that complete the entire police training program.
Will I earn POST credits for the training?
The Minnesota POST Board has approved this training for five credit hours of mandatory training credits found in Minnesota Statutes, section 626.8469 relative to the following objectives:
- Recognizing and Valuing Community Diversity and Cultural Differences to Include Implicit Bias Training: Objectives 1, 2, and 3 inclusive; and
- Conflict Management and Mediation: Objectives 1, 2, and 3 inclusive.
Does my entire department have to participate in the training, or can I register and participate as an individual officer?
It is possible to register with True North Policing as an individual officer. To register, you need to provide your name, department, and MN POST number.
Why should I participate?
This five-module course was created with the help of 14 Minnesota law enforcement agencies to inspire peace officers to remain focused on the Constitution as their True North compass point. Participants will learn about historical conditions that gave rise to the Bill of Rights, examine parallels to modern social issues, and understand how the role of policing fits within a free society. The goal is to inspire participants to look inward and to help reaffirm their commitment to embracing constitutional principles when making challenging decisions.
Who will see my answers, test scores, and other information I provide?
The online training is self-paced and NOT instructor-led. The learner works independently to complete the training, and their learning experience is a personal endeavor assisted by comprehensive information modules.
You will receive a PASS/FAIL grade for the course. To receive POST credits, you will need to receive a PASS for the course.
Your answers and interactive learning activities are confidential, and your personal information and training record will not be shared. Individual student data will not be sent to other learners or departments. The overall learning patterns and training information about all participating students will be used within True North Policing to continue improving the training experience for all future learners.
What if I have questions about course content or a problem with technology?
If you have course content questions or technical problems with the True North Policing e-learning experience, please send an email to [email protected].
Thanks to contributors
Special thanks to all the law enforcement agencies that contributed to the creation of this training and to all the officers that were willing to tell their stories, participate in the design, and provide feedback. This training is dedicated to all the noble law enforcement professionals that helped create it.
The contributing law enforcement agencies are:
- Dakota County Sheriff’s Office
- Eagan Police Department
- Maplewood Police Department
- Minneapolis Police Department
- Minnesota State Patrol
- Plymouth Police Department
- Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office
- Robbinsdale Police Department
- Rochester Police Department
- Roseville Police Department
- Scott County Sheriff’s Office
- St. Louis Park Police Department
- St. Paul Police Department
- White Bear Lake Police Department
