NCJ Number
212669
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 72 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2005 Pages: 40-43
Date Published
October 2005
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the key issues related to managing large municipal police training programs.
Abstract
In 2002, there were 103 city or municipal police training academies throughout the United States. This article, which was written to inform police executives and managers, outlines the main challenges involved in managing these large municipal police training programs. Among the most salient issues facing large police training programs is gaining the resources necessary to maintain them. Suggestions are offered for finding the necessary resources, such as gaining assistance from the State POST (peace officer standards and training) commission, taking advantage of internal expertise, soliciting the business sector, using distance learning to lower costs, and training while on-shift. Risk management and liability issues that impact police training are explored as the author highlights the importance of proper police training to reduce targeted risks and liability, such as the potential liability of firearms misuse. Finally, the importance of proper management for the delivery of high quality police training programs is underscored as the author outlines the impact of planning and research, internal management, and external support on the overall success of police training programs. Endnotes