NCJ Number
89027
Journal
Police Journal Volume: 56 Issue: 2 Dated: (April-June 1983) Pages: 121-127
Date Published
1983
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Current training for British police emphasizes the law enforcement function while giving inadequate attention to the beat officer's preparation for responding to the public's calls for various types of police service.
Abstract
Studies of police training programs have generally concluded that training is not meeting the actual on-the-job needs of police officers. Technical and legal training is offered, but the human relations and social skills training vital for police-community relations is neglected. There is little initial training in police advisory functions and interagency links between the police and social services. Training could include lectures by and discussions with citizen advice bureau staff, social workers, probation officers, defense and prosecution lawyers, ethnic minorities, drug addicts, alcoholics, the mentally ill, etc. Trainees could also learn from serving as participants-observers with various service agencies and clients. Training courses might also give more attention to the use of police discretion, beat functions, and the development of human relations skills. Overall, police training should be tailored to preparing the police to respond effectively to the actual demands made upon them by the public. Such a change in training orientation must overcome the resistance of the police culture's traditional adherence to the law enforcement image. Training innovation can only be successful when it has the support of all ranks within the police force. Twelve references are listed.