Contribution of Psychology to the Development of Police Training in Britain (With Particular Emphasis on Metropolitan London) (From Police Selection and Training, P 77-96, 1986 John C Yuille, ed . - See NCJ-104142)

• NCJ Number: 104148
• Author(s): L Poole
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 20 pages
• Sale Source: Martinus Nijhoff Publishing
• Language: English
• Country: Netherlands

Annotation

The gradual incorporation of applied psychology into police training in Great Britain between 1965 and 1985 is discussed.

Abstract

Police training in London 20 years ago was directive, authoritarian, and fairly narrow in scope and format. Between 1972 and 1979, the need for improved social and psychological training of police officers gained greater recognition. The aims of such training were seen to be increased maturity and professionalism, greater understanding of social problems and diverse cultural backgrounds, and improved insight into the officer's own behavior and human behavior in general. During 1980-1982, such training gained more acceptance, and greater efforts were directed toward training in the areas of self-awareness, interpersonal skills, and community relations. The major thrust for change came in 1982-1983, when the appointment of a new commissioner whose philosophy emphasized better public service and police-community relations and interagency cooperation. Since that time, substantial changes have taken place in the style, method, and content of police training. Training has become more facilitative and learner-based, emphasis is placed on behavioral skills as opposed to pure knowledge, and content focus has shifted to self-awareness and interpersonal abilities. 1 figure, 1 footnote, and 24 references.