Courses & Standards

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National Course Standards

LAPSEN is the preeminent national organization working in Law and Public Safety (LPS) education. An important element in our service to our states and educators is maintaining national course standards for courses offered by LPS programs. Our courses are guides for local states and systems to use as one source of direction as they create their local course standards. We have the advantage of national partnerships with education and industry groups to tap into as we create these courses. We also have a large body of expert teachers, often with extensive industry experience, to help us craft courses that are timely and reflect current trends. LAPSEN stands to support our states and local systems in all they do. Course development is one of these services. 

Course Process:

  • Our Board indicates which course(s) will be created or revised
  • We solicit participation in the Course Development Committee which will create the course
  • Once the course is initially completed, we solicit participation in the Course Review Committee which will exhaustively review the new course
  • Finally, the course is submitted to the whole Board and advisors for review and final approval. 

Are you an expert? Would you like to serve on a course committee? Email us at info@lapsen.org to learn more. 

Introduction to Law & Public Safety (ILPS)

The first of the courses LAPSEN has developed, this course allows states to construct their own concept of the introduction course. Like a buffet, states can choose which parts they would like to adopt, but are not required to use any standards in any particular order.

  • ILPS contents and standards – Click Here
  • ILPS Instructor Resources & Lesson Plans (members only) – Click Here
  • Prerequisites – none

Law Enforcement (LE)

Law Enforcement prepares individuals to perform the duties of police and public security officers, including patrol and investigative activities, traffic control, crowd control, public relations, witness interviewing, evidence collection and management, court procedures and the law in general. Basic crime prevention methods, weapon and equipment operation, equipment maintenance, and other routine law enforcement responsibilities are also included.

Security & Protective Services (SPS)

Security and Protective Services prepares students to work in the fastest-growing career field in LPS. Once students complete this course they will be fully prepared for entry-level work in the field. Students will be able to take the Certified Protection Officer (CPO) certification exam. The CPO is recognized by thousands of employers worldwide. Students will be able to be employed immediately in a field with excellent compensation and opportunities. Skills learned in SPS will also prepare students interested in careers in law enforcement and other LPS careers to build experience prior to their 21st birthday.

Future Course Development

Below are courses LAPSEN will be developing in the near future. If you would like to be a part of developing a course, email us: info@laspen.org

This year we are working on:

  • Criminal Investigations 
  • Forensic Science (for science and CTE classes)
  • Drones for Law and Public Safety 
  • Rehabilitation & Detention Officer