NCJ Number
195309
Date Published
1999
Length
77 pages
Annotation
This handbook provides police trainers a guide to preparing training programs that are both effective and appropriate, given the continually changing American society.
Abstract
The author begins this handbook by explaining that police officer training is often not given the attention it deserves. In chapter 1 the author offers a history of police training in America and shows how many police departments have failed to recognize the importance of comprehensive police training. This handbook attempts to correct this problem by offering training strategies and methods that speak to the needs of the American police force in the 21st century. The author points out that there is an increased need for training that is focused on police ethics, cultural diversity, and even methods of stress adaptation. Chapter 2 outlines a training philosophy that allows police departments to analyze their current training goals, missions, and personnel with an eye toward modernizing their training programs. In chapter 3 the author discusses developing a police training curriculum that is both appropriate and effective in dealing with the situations police routinely confront in today's society. Chapter 4 confronts the problem of evaluating police training programs for level of quality, ensuring that new recruits will be well prepared to fulfill their duties responsibly. Chapter 4 expounds upon the importance of choosing qualified personnel to staff police training programs while chapter 6 discusses the new police recruit and factors that affect motivation. Chapter 7 explains how to best implement a police training program and chapter 8 discusses the importance of partnering with organizations outside of the police department, such as colleges and professional organizations, in order to ensure a quality training program. Finally, in chapter 9 the author explains that police training must be viewed as a priority as police departments move into the 21st century. Training programs must keep up with societal changes if police officers are to be effective in fighting crime in the coming century. Bibliography