10 Free Online Police Courses & Certificates 2027

Police officers and public safety professionals often participate in continuing education to better understand the communities they serve and the challenges they encounter on the job. While police academy training prepares officers for the fundamentals of law enforcement, additional learning can deepen knowledge in areas such as ethics, investigations, community relations, and public health issues.

Many universities and training platforms now offer free online law courses that explore topics related to policing and criminal justice. These courses are often designed for officers, criminal justice students, and professionals in related fields such as social services, forensic science, and public safety who want to better understand the issues that shape modern policing.

Are There Free Online Police Courses?

Several universities and learning platforms offer free online courses related to policing and law enforcement topics. These programs often focus on professional development areas such as criminal investigations, community relations, ethics, forensic science, and public safety issues.

Some courses are designed specifically for law enforcement professionals, while others examine broader topics that affect policing, such as social issues, forensic science, or public health. In many cases, learners can review course materials at no cost, while certificates or additional course features may require a small fee.

Can I Earn an Online Police Certificate for Free?

Some police-related courses offer certificates of completion, although the certificate itself may require a fee. Platforms like Alison, Coursera, and edX often allow learners to review lectures and course materials for free while charging separately for official certificates.

These certificates typically confirm that a learner has completed coursework related to policing or criminal justice topics. While they do not replace police academy training or professional law enforcement certification, they can support continuing education and help professionals expand their understanding of issues affecting modern policing.

Best Free & Low-Cost Police Courses & Certificates

Police work often involves skills that extend beyond basic law enforcement training. Many courses explore topics such as ethics, investigations, forensic science, and community relations to help officers and public safety professionals better understand the social and legal environments in which they operate.

The courses below come from universities, nonprofit organizations, and online learning platforms. Some are designed specifically for law enforcement professionals, while others examine issues related to policing and criminal justice more broadly.

1. Alison – Becoming a Criminal Intelligence Analyst

Modern policing increasingly relies on data and intelligence analysis. Alison’s Becoming a Criminal Intelligence Analyst course introduces the role of intelligence gathering and analysis in law enforcement investigations.

Learners explore topics such as crime data analysis, intelligence reporting, and investigative strategies used by criminal intelligence analysts. The course is free to access through Alison, with an optional fee for learners who want an official certificate of completion.

2. Alison – Ethics in Law Enforcement

Ethical decision-making is an important part of policing and public trust. Ethics in Law Enforcement, also offered through Alison, examines the ethical challenges officers may encounter during their work.

The course discusses professional responsibility, ethical frameworks, and accountability in law enforcement organizations. As with many Alison courses, learners can review the course materials for free and purchase an optional certificate if they want formal recognition of completion.

3. COPS Training Portal

The COPS Training Portal, supported by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, provides a collection of online training courses designed specifically for law enforcement professionals.

Rather than a single course, the portal offers multiple training modules covering topics such as community policing strategies, crisis response, officer wellness, and leadership. Many of the resources are available at no cost and are designed to support continuing education for police officers and public safety professionals.

4. Coursera – Community Awareness: Police Brutality in the U.S.

Policing practices and community relationships have become important topics in criminal justice education. Community Awareness: Police Brutality in the U.S., offered by the University of Michigan on Coursera, examines the historical and social context surrounding policing and public trust.

Learners explore legal frameworks, community perspectives, and the broader social issues connected to policing practices. Coursera typically allows learners to audit the course for free, while certificates and graded assignments may require a subscription.

5. Coursera – Understanding and Managing the Stresses of Police Work

Police work can involve significant emotional and psychological demands. Understanding and Managing the Stresses of Police Work, offered by the University of Toronto on Coursera, focuses on officer wellness and strategies for managing occupational stress.

The course reviews topics such as mental health awareness, coping strategies, and the impact of stress on decision-making and job performance. As with many Coursera offerings, learners can usually audit the course for free, with optional certificates available through paid enrollment.

6. edX – HarvardX: The Opioid Crisis in America

Substance abuse and public health challenges often intersect with law enforcement responsibilities. The Opioid Crisis in America, offered by HarvardX on edX, explores the causes and impacts of opioid addiction across communities.

Learners examine public health data, policy responses, and community strategies aimed at addressing opioid misuse. Like many edX courses, students can audit the course for free, while a paid option is available for learners who want a verified certificate.

7. edX – UniversityofCambridge: Forensic Science: DNA Analysis

Forensic science plays an important role in modern criminal investigations. Forensic Science: DNA Analysis, offered by the University of Cambridge on edX, introduces the scientific techniques used to analyze DNA evidence in criminal cases.

The course covers topics such as DNA profiling, forensic laboratory methods, and how scientific evidence is used in criminal investigations. edX typically allows learners to audit course materials for free, while verified certificates and graded assessments are available through a paid upgrade.

8. Elevify – Police Training

Elevify offers an introductory Police Training course that explores foundational concepts related to law enforcement work and public safety. The course touches on policing responsibilities, investigative processes, and general practices used in law enforcement organizations.

Designed as a flexible online learning option, the course can help learners better understand the structure of policing and criminal investigations. Elevify provides free access to the course materials, with an optional $37 premium upgrade available for additional features or certification.

9. OpenLearn – Exploring Evidence-Based Policing

Exploring Evidence-Based Policing from The Open University’s OpenLearn platform focuses on how research and data can inform policing strategies. Evidence-based policing encourages law enforcement agencies to use research findings and data analysis when developing policies and procedures.

The course examines how research methods, crime data, and community studies contribute to more informed decision-making in law enforcement. OpenLearn courses are free to access and designed for self-paced learning.

10. Udemy – Criminal Investigation in the New Millennium

Modern criminal investigations often involve a combination of traditional investigative techniques and new technologies. Udemy’s Criminal Investigation in the New Millennium explores how investigative practices have evolved alongside digital tools and modern forensic methods.

Participants review investigative strategies, case analysis approaches, and the role of technology in solving crimes. The course is available on Udemy and can typically be completed in a self-paced format.

How We Rank Courses

Police-related courses can cover a wide range of topics, from investigations and ethics to community relations and public health issues that intersect with law enforcement work. To create this list, we reviewed courses from universities, government training programs, and established online learning platforms that make professional development accessible to public safety professionals.

The goal was to highlight courses that expand understanding of modern policing while remaining accessible and flexible for working professionals. The following criteria helped guide our selections:

• Affordability: Preference is given to courses that allow learners to review materials for free, with optional certificates available at a reasonable cost.
• Online availability: Courses must be available online so law enforcement professionals and students can complete them alongside work schedules.
• Course provider reputation: Programs from universities, government training initiatives, and recognized online learning platforms are prioritized to help ensure reliable educational content.

What You’ll Learn in an Online Police Course or Certificate Program

Police-related courses often focus on professional development topics that help officers better understand the communities they serve and the broader issues affecting public safety. Many programs explore social, investigative, and ethical aspects of law enforcement rather than tactical training.

Depending on the course focus, learners may study topics such as:

• Ethics and accountability in law enforcement
• Criminal investigations and intelligence analysis
• Community relations and social issues affecting policing
• Evidence-based policing strategies
• Forensic science techniques such as DNA analysis
• Public health challenges connected to crime, including substance abuse
• Stress management and officer wellness

These courses can help law enforcement professionals, criminal justice students, and public safety workers better understand the complex responsibilities involved in modern policing.

How Much Do Online Police Courses and Certificates Cost?

Many police-related courses are available online at no cost through platforms such as Alison, Coursera, edX, OpenLearn, and government training portals. Learners can often review lectures, readings, and course materials for free.

Some platforms offer optional certificates for learners who want documentation of course completion. Certificate fees commonly range from about $20 to $200, depending on the course provider and program structure. While these certificates do not replace official law enforcement training or professional certification, they can support continuing education and professional development.

Who Should Consider Free Online Police Courses and Certificates?

Police-related courses can help professionals better understand the complex issues that influence modern law enforcement. Because many of these programs are offered as free self-paced courses, they can be a flexible option for learners who want to expand their knowledge while balancing work or other responsibilities.

These courses may be especially helpful for:

• Police officers and law enforcement professionals seeking continuing education on topics such as ethics, investigations, or community relations
• Criminal justice students who want to explore specialized topics related to policing and public safety
• Public safety professionals working in corrections, emergency management, or community services
• Social service professionals who collaborate with law enforcement on issues such as mental health or substance abuse
• Community members and researchers interested in learning more about the social and legal aspects of policing

Career Outlook With a Free Online Police Course or Certificate

Free police-related courses can help professionals expand their knowledge of issues affecting law enforcement, but they do not replace official police academy training or certification. Individuals interested in becoming police officers typically must complete academy training and meet local hiring requirements.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, police and detectives are expected to see steady employment demand as communities continue to rely on law enforcement agencies for public safety. Courses on topics such as investigations, community relations, and officer wellness can support professional development and help officers stay informed about evolving policing practices.

How to Choose the Right Free Police Course or Certificate Online

Police-related courses can vary widely in focus. Some explore investigative techniques and forensic science, while others examine social issues, ethics, or officer wellness.

When comparing online courses, consider the following factors:

• Course topic: Choose courses that align with your interests or professional needs, such as investigations, policing strategies, or community relations.
• Learning format: Some programs offer flexible self-paced lessons, while others follow a structured weekly schedule.
• Course provider: Universities, government agencies, and established learning platforms often provide well-developed educational materials.
• Certificate availability: If you want proof of completion for professional development records, check whether the course offers a certificate and whether a fee applies.
• Professional relevance: Look for courses that address real-world issues affecting modern policing and public safety.

FAQs About Free Online Police Courses and Certificate Programs

Becoming a police officer involves specific academy and physical requirements beyond any online coursework, so a few more detailed questions tend to come up. Here's a closer look at a few of them.

Can a Free Online Course Replace Police Academy Training?

Free online police courses can't replace police academy training, since academies require in-person instruction in areas like defensive tactics, firearms, and emergency driving that simply can't be taught online. These courses work better as preparation that builds relevant background knowledge before entering an academy.

Do Police Departments Require a Physical Fitness Test Separate From Coursework?

Nearly all police departments require candidates to pass a physical fitness test as part of the hiring process, regardless of how much coursework or education they've completed. Candidates typically need to train for this test separately, since academic courses don't address physical conditioning.

Is a Criminal Justice Degree Different From Taking Police-Specific Courses?

A criminal justice degree covers the broader legal and social systems surrounding crime and the justice system, while police-specific courses focus more narrowly on skills and knowledge directly tied to policing work. Many departments accept either path, though some agencies give hiring preference to candidates with a completed degree.

Do Courses Prepare Someone for Specialized Units Like K9 or SWAT?

Specialized units like K9 handling or SWAT require additional training that officers typically pursue only after years on the job, well beyond what a general police course covers. These assignments usually go to experienced officers who've already demonstrated strong performance in standard patrol duties.

What Background Requirements Do Police Departments Typically Check?

Police departments generally require candidates to be at least 21, hold a clean criminal record, and pass a thorough background investigation covering their personal and employment history. These requirements apply on top of any education or training a candidate completes, so meeting them matters just as much as course knowledge.

Discover Affordable Police Programs and Courses

Find the perfect online police course by exploring the affordable options featured through Learn.org. Reach out to specific course providers to learn more about registration, costs, and financial aid.