NCJ Number
114963
Journal
Policing Volume: 4 Issue: 4 Dated: (Winter 1988) Pages: 309-322
Date Published
1988
Length
14 pages
Annotation
The most recent evaluation of the Policing Skills Training program being used for police recruits and provisional members of the Metropolitan Police in Great Britain indicates that the training is a worthwhile approach to behavioral training.
Abstract
The program was originally called Human Awareness Training (HAT). Its first version was implemented in April 1982, and an independent evaluation began in June 1982. HAT includes training in interpersonal skills, self-awareness training, and training in community relations. The 20-week course uses extensive role playing and video feedback on students' performance. The first phase of the evaluation gathered information from trainees, experienced police officers, supervisors, and official records on complaints. The data gathered during 1982-84 showed that the interpersonal skills component of the training was the best, while the community relations component was poor. The second phase of the evaluation began in June 1985 and included psychometric evaluations, interviews of participants in citizen encounters with the police. Findings indicated that the training has many strengths, but that it needs to improve recruits' ability to monitor their own behavior and to understand victims' problems. Police officers also need to be given a clearer understanding of the goals of the training.