NCJ Number
85617
Date Published
1978
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This study reports on student evaluations of the training effectiveness of the topics presented in a 1 week (40-hour) course in basic investigation conducted by Minnesota's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Training Division.
Abstract
The course was divided into 14 topics, and at the end of the course, students rated each of the topics in five areas: its importance to their jobs, the amount of time spent on the topic, the quality of instruction, the materials used, and the method of instruction. The topics ranked highest by the students were crime scene preservation and information. Other topics receiving high rankings were crime scene searches, warrants, narcotics, and fingerprinting. Apparently the presentations of these topics met most of the students' needs. Topics ranked consistently low by the students were homicide, sex crimes, crime resistance, and white-collar crimes. Although none of these lower ranking topics received strongly negative ratings, they were ranked fairly low in relation to the other course topics. Separate aspects of the remaining topics received quite different rankings; for example, the topic of castings received a high rank in the instruction area but medium to low ranks in other areas. By using the tables produced by this evaluation, administrators can identify specific aspects of topics that need improvement. Tabular data are provided, and the questionnaire and comments from questionnaires are provided. (Author summary modified)