The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security, has published online trainings titled “Responding to First Amendment-Protected Events – The Role of State and Local Law Enforcement Officers.” This Web site provides training videos to assist law enforcement personnel in understanding their roles and responsibilities as they prepare for, and respond to, First Amendment-protected events; protecting the privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties of persons and groups participating in these events; and reinforcing fundamental concepts learned at law enforcement training academies and during in-service programs. Two training options are available. The first, “Your Role in Protecting Privacy, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties,” is an 8:15 minute video which provides users with a certificate of completion. The second, “First Amendment – The Role of Law Enforcement,” is a 3:31 minute line officer roll call video, designed for use during roll call and pre-event briefings, featuring an introductory overview of law enforcement’s roles and responsibilities at a First Amendment-protected event.
Visit firstamendment.ncirc.gov to view the online training courses.