Use of Force Training Grant Now Accepting Applications from Postsecondary Institutions

St. Paul, Minn.—The application is now available on the Minnesota Office of Higher Education website for the Use of Force Training Grant. This one-time grant created during the 2025 Minnesota legislative session, awards funds to eligible postsecondary institutions for providing eligible use of force training for eligible peace officers. Grantees can receive $450 for each peace officer that completes an eligible training program.

Eligible applicants must meet all of the following:

• Be a postsecondary institution
• Be a Certified Peace Officer Education (PPOE) School through the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards & Training (MN POST Board)
• Provide eligible training on the use of force by peace officers approved by the MN POST Board

Eligible training must meet all of the following:

• Utilize scenario-based training that simulates real-world situations and involves the use of real firearms that fire nonlethal ammunition
• Include a block of instruction on the physical and psychological effects of stress before, during, and after a high-risk or traumatic incident and the cumulative impact of stress on the health of officers
• Include blocks of instruction on de-escalation methods and tactics, bias motivation, unknown risk training, defensive tactics, and force-on-force training
• Be offered to peace officers at no charge to the peace officer or law enforcement agency
• Satisfy MS 626.8452requirement and be approved by the Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training

Application timeline:

• November 24, 2025 – application available
• December 2025 – first awards issued
• June 1, 2026 or until all funds have been awarded – application closes

For full details including more information on applying, eligibility, timeline and funding for the Use of Force Training Grant visit our website or email us at [email protected]

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