GA POST key terms

The foundational academy program a new officer must complete to become certified, covering state-mandated topics such as criminal law, patrol procedures, firearms, and defensive tactics.

The state body that sets training standards, certifies officers, investigates misconduct, and may suspend or revoke certification for peace officers in Georgia.

The formal credential issued by POST confirming that an individual has met the training, background, and legal requirements to serve as a peace officer in Georgia.

The removal of an officer's POST certification, typically following misconduct, a disqualifying criminal conviction, or failure to maintain required training, ending lawful authority to serve.

An initial certification status that remains in effect for a defined period after hire, during which the officer's employment and conduct are subject to closer review.

A supervised post-academy phase in which a new officer works alongside a trained veteran evaluator who documents performance and recommends whether the recruit is retained.

The pre-employment inquiry into an applicant's criminal history, employment record, references, and character that POST requires before an officer may be certified.

A pre-employment evaluation by a qualified professional to determine whether an applicant has the emotional stability and judgment needed for peace officer duties.

A health assessment confirming an applicant or officer can physically perform essential job functions, often required before certification and at defined intervals afterward.

A timed, job-related fitness assessment that measures strength, endurance, and mobility needed for police work, commonly used in hiring and academy graduation requirements.

A process allowing experienced officers, often from other states or federal agencies, to obtain Georgia certification by demonstrating comparable training and experience instead of repeating full basic training.

The POST review that compares an out-of-state or federal officer's prior academy hours, curriculum, and service record against Georgia requirements to decide what additional training is needed.

The document-based comparison of an applicant's completed training courses, hours, and grades against Georgia curriculum standards during an equivalency evaluation.

A test that lets an equivalency applicant demonstrate knowledge of required subject matter in place of attending a course, awarded only where POST rules permit credit by examination.

An arrangement under which training or certification from another jurisdiction is recognized toward Georgia requirements, subject to POST review and any required supplemental training.

A certified peace officer from another state who seeks Georgia certification, usually through the equivalency process and any gap training POST identifies.

A law enforcement officer employed by a federal agency who may seek Georgia certification through equivalency by documenting academy training and qualifying service.

The specific courses or hours an equivalency applicant must complete to close differences between prior training and current Georgia curriculum requirements.

A period during which a certified officer was not employed in a qualifying law enforcement role, which can affect whether certification remains valid or requires requalification.

The minimum number of in-service training hours an officer must complete each calendar or training year to keep certification active, as set by POST rule.

Continuing education for already-certified officers, covering legal updates, firearms requalification, defensive tactics, and other mandated topics delivered by approved instructors.

The defined twelve-month period POST uses to measure completion of annual in-service hours and other recurring requirements.

A recurring live-fire course of fire an officer must pass at defined intervals to maintain authority to carry a duty firearm.

Recurring instruction on lawful force options, de-escalation, and reporting duties, typically required as part of annual in-service hours.

Documentation maintained by the agency or officer showing completed courses, hours, instructors, and dates, used to verify compliance with annual requirements.

A person POST has authorized to deliver mandated training content, whose credentials must appear on course documentation for the hours to count.

The planned progression of an officer's training and assignments over time, building skills and credentials that support promotion and specialized roles.

A voluntary credential recognizing advanced competence in a defined area such as investigations, supervision, or instruction, earned through training and experience beyond basic certification.

An optional credential an officer may pursue to demonstrate professional achievement; unlike basic certification, it is not required to hold the position.

The agency's structured method for selecting supervisors and commanders, often combining testing, interviews, performance review, and required training or certifications.

Instruction preparing officers for leadership duties such as discipline, evaluation, and liability, frequently required before or soon after promotion to a supervisory rank.

Training hours accumulated beyond the annual minimum, often used to qualify for advanced or specialty credentials and to document continuing growth.

A standardized measure of completed continuing education, sometimes used to record training beyond basic in-service hours for credentialing purposes.

A structured relationship in which a more experienced officer guides a less experienced one, supporting retention, skill growth, and career planning.

An agency's effort to identify and prepare future leaders through training, assignments, and credentialing so critical roles can be filled from within.

The agency member responsible for scheduling mandated courses, tracking hours, and maintaining records that demonstrate compliance with POST requirements.

The loss of active certification status when required training or employment conditions are not met, requiring corrective steps before the officer may serve again.

A POST-authorized exception to a specific training or eligibility requirement, granted only where rules allow and usually documented in the officer's file.