NCJ Number
220635
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 34 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2007 Pages: 38,40,47
Date Published
October 2007
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article examines the trends and challenges in law enforcement personnel skills assessment and the management of police personnel records, as well as the features of current software that can assist training administrators in creating, storing, managing, sharing, and delivering training resources.
Abstract
In response to tougher training standards, law enforcement agencies are insisting on technology that features quicker entry of training information into databases; the notification of upcoming recertification expirations for officers; more individualized training reports that can be instantly produced; and easier creation and tracking of personnel records that can be searched, updated, and shared more efficiently. Numerous software programs have been developed to assist public safety agencies in complying with recertification standards. These programs fall into the following categories: small-scale to medium-scale public safety learning management software (LMS), large-scale public safety LMS, niche-focused LMS, and generic/commercial LMS. The selection of appropriate software from these options can replace the manual scheduling of training recertification, reducing the time and number of personnel needed to manage personnel recertification. This article provides an example of a focused-niche LMS, i.e., one that fulfills a single need. The software, called RangeMaster Pro, is designed to store and retrieve information on each officer, firearm, firearm qualification, maintenance, and equipment. Also profiled is a large-scale public safety LMS that provides everything needed to manage retraining and recertification in a comprehensive system. Generic software applications are also described. This software can be used to manage retraining for several types of occupations, including law enforcement. Other issues discussed are the emergence of Web-based records management systems, the establishment of a national model standard for the management of information on training certification, and the importance of tailoring LMS software selections to agency needs.