NCJ Number
164302
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 63 Issue: 11 Dated: (November 1996) Pages: 48-51
Date Published
1996
Length
4 pages
Annotation
After outlining the departmental and officer benefits of computer-based training (CBT) for law enforcement, this article considers some disadvantages of such training, its cost, and related recommendations.
Abstract
CBT delivers high-quality instructional material to the law enforcement work force by using multimedia computer technology. It is a dynamic medium that can enhance the quality of a training program while reducing some of the associated administrative hassles. As an alternative to traditional instructor-led training, CBT is always available, takes less time, uses fewer resources, and often costs less per officer. It can be used either by itself or in conjunction with traditional instructor- based courses. CBT does not work well for every training situation, however. Current technology can often provide realistic simulations, but for some training courses, there is no substitute for hands-on experience. Since new CBT will likely incorporate both audio and visual media, computers capable of presenting multimedia materials will be required to take advantage of these offerings. As police departments acquire new computer equipment, they should require that at least some of the personal computers be multimedia-capable.