The Basic Law Enforcement Training Section (BTS) of the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC) is the cornerstone for certifying Basic Law Enforcement Officers and Basic Jail Officers across the state. With seven main academies and three satellite academies strategically located in Georgia, BTS delivers high- quality, accessible training to enhance the professionalism, competence, and readiness of the state’s Law Enforcement community. In FY25, BTS trained 1,141 Basic Law Enforcement cadets and 593 Basic Jail Officers. While certification remains the primary mission, regional academies also host specialized training such as Department of Juvenile Justice In-Service, Intoxilyzer 9000 Recertification, and other law enforcement specialty courses. Beyond core certifications, BTS offered advanced and non-certification courses, including Use of Force Instructor, Speed Detection Operator, Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, Family Violence Response, Sexual Assault Investigations, Community Policing, Criminal Procedure, Active Shooter: ALERRT, and BASIC LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING Interviews and Interrogations. These programs ensure officers are prepared to meet evolving challenges in the field. The most significant development of 2025 was the expansion of state-mandated basic training hours from 408 to 809. To meet this challenge, BTS expanded to 74 employees and developed new curriculum areas, including Precision Immobilization Technique (P.I.T.), Active Shooter: ALERRT, Crisis Response, Resiliency Training, Patrol Rifle, and Basic Emergency Response Driving. This expansion was achieved through a GPSTC-wide collaborative effort to ensure consistent quality and effectiveness. Through these advancements, BTS has demonstrated its commitment to excellence in Law Enforcement training. By adapting to expanded mandates, increasing instructional capacity, and introducing forward-thinking course content, BTS continues to prepare Georgia’s public safety professionals with the skills, knowledge, and resilience required to meet today’s demands and tomorrow’s challenges. 3
