Training Rules and Conduct

The Decatur Police Department welcomes you to our professional development courses. To maintain a professional and productive training environment, all attendees are required to adhere to the following rules and standards. 

Eligibility: Training is available to certified peace officers, telecommunicators, and other authorized personnel. This includes reserve or retired officers holding an active license. Authorized Personnel may include, but are not limited to, EMS staff, paramedics, crime scene technicians, and records clerks. The Training Coordinator or Instructor may require proof of status before attendance is permitted. 

Attendance: Students are expected to attend class at the assigned time and for the full duration of the course. Tardiness or early departure may affect eligibility for TCOLE credit. 

Dress Code: Students are expected to dress in a professional manner and adhere to appropriate grooming and hygiene standards.  Tight-fitting, ripped, torn, or otherwise inappropriate or distracting clothing is prohibited.  Examples of such include halter tops, sandals/flip-flops, shorts, sweats, t-shirts, hats/caps, and tank tops.  Training conducted outdoors may have a relaxed dress code, which will be communicated by the instructor. 

Code of Conduct: Students must represent their respective agencies honorably and professionally. Disruptive or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.  Students are expected to give their full attention to instructors and presentations, limiting unnecessary conversation and distractions.  Students are expected to remain awake, alert, and participate in all classroom activities.   Food and drinks are allowed in designated areas.  Beverages may be allowed in the classroom at the instructor's discretion.  The Decatur Police Department and City of Decatur are tobacco and vape free.  Smoking, vaping, or any other tobacco use is prohibited in city buildings and only authorized in designated areas on premises. 

Electronic Devices: Phones should be placed on silent or turned off during classroom instruction.  Texting and phone calls should be handled outside the classroom.  Posting or sharing of course content, including images, videos, or audio recordings, on social media is strictly prohibited without written approval from the Training Coordinator or Chief of Police. 

Dismissal: Students may be dismissed from the course for violation of any rule or for disruption of the learning environment. Any student dismissed will not be allowed to attend future courses without express approval from the Training Coordinator or Chief of Police. 

Cancellation & Refund Policy: No refunds will be provided for any student who "No Shows" or is dismissed from a course.  Registrations may be transferred to another student with approval from the Training Coordinator prior to the training event.  Refunds may be provided for any cancellation up to one week in advance.  This policy only applies to courses instructed by Decatur Personnel.  Courses hosted by the department but instructed by third-party vendors, agencies, or training companies are subject to the refund and cancellation policies established by those entities.