North Alabama Public Service Training Center
Federal Funding Executive Order - Obviously we are disappointed with the new administration's decision to halt all Federal grant funding to include our own law enforcement and first responder training grant funding. We are still awaiting more guidance on exactly what the impact will be and how long it may last. In the interim, we are exploring other ways to continue those programs and we will continue to offer as much training as possible that is not impacted by this decision.
NAPSTC Awarded Regional De-Escalation Training Center Grant by DOJ - COPS
In November 2023, the North Alabama Public Service Training Center was notified of the award of a cooperative agreement grant for $746,188.00 as part of the Regional De-Escalation Training Center Grant Initiative and was officially designated as a DOJ Regional De-Escalation Training Center. This initiative is part of a $15 million program that supports national level de-escalation training for officers through a network of regional centers.
NAPSTC offered its first grant funded ICAT De-Escalation course during the last week of November and its second course December 14-15, 2023. Going forward for 2024, the ICAT De-Escalation Course will be offered free of charge each month to all law enforcement officers and first responders within the greater Tennessee Valley Region with CEU credit also being awarded. Additionally, officers who live and work more than 75 miles from the Center in Florence can apply for a travel/lodging stipend to cover the cost of their travel and accommodations during the course.
Currently, there is one ICAT course scheduled each month at the Center with more being added as demand increases. NAPSTC will also conduct courses on location for agencies willing to host a course within their local area. Contact the Center for more details and information. Check out the schedule of upcoming courses here - https://www.campusce.net/una/course/course.aspx?catId=174
Charter
The charter of the NAPSTC is to collaborate with and serve the training and education needs of local, regional, and statewide public service agencies (including law enforcement and corrections, fire departments, emergency medical services, emergency management organizations, and other community leaders and stake holders). We strive to do this by supporting training, collaboration, education, outreach, and research for public service organization leaders and employees. Another key charge for the center is to further engage students and faculty to share knowledge, conduct research, collaborate on interdisciplinary projects, and build sustainable partnerships to advance the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the North Alabama public service community.
Operations and Training
The goal of the center is to offer a broad spectrum of public service sector training based on the needs of local and regional organizations and agencies on an ongoing basis, additionally the center also has the capability to develop courses and training tailored to meet specific department/agency/organization needs. These courses can either be taught here at the center’s facilities in Northwest Alabama or can be conducted at your agency or another location as needed. If you are interested in hosting a course, event, or program or have a need for research or analysis support, please contact us by email publicservicetraining@una.edu or via phone 256.765.5022.