NCJ Number
84538
Date Published
1974
Length
44 pages
Annotation
This study of the Minnesota Computer Assisted Dial Access Video Retrieval Systems (CADAVRS), a police inservice training project that uses videotapes, shows the project to be generally inefficient and limited in its impact.
Abstract
CADAVRS was established to update police officers on the U.S. Supreme Court's interpretation of laws governing criminal investigation, using a computerized delivery system of videotapes previously used for State educational facilities. The subject matter of the tapes has expanded as certain other inservice training needs have been targeted. The assessment found that the project was implemented on a scope far less than described in the plan, and the use of the inservice tapes by program participants was far below reasonable expectations. The plan for resources requested did result in the performance of planned activities, however. The present scope and use of the CADAVRS project appears to be an indication of current attitudes toward inservice training. The actual cost per man-hour of inservice training was significantly more than anticipated by the project's plan. Further, the project did not adequately seek out solutions to previously identified major constraints to inservice training for police. Costs could be diminished through coordination between police agencies, and training officers could be shared between departments. Abstracts of the 28 videotapes are appended. (Author summary modified)