NCJ Number
225581
Journal
THE POLICE CHIEF Volume: 75 Issue: 11 Dated: November 2008 Pages: 18,20,22
Date Published
November 2008
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article promotes a model of police training that has three revolutionary components: critical topics addressed in critical time, a self-directed training program, and a shortened training schedule.
Abstract
In the interest of efficiency, academies should limit the training delivery time to precisely the minimum length required to deliver the required information. Breaks should be scheduled for midmorning and midafternoon only. Instruction should be rapid, dynamic, and energized. Another innovation calls for officer-students to preselect at least part of their training program. Agencies could design a roster of potential classes and package them in full-day or half-day groupings. Mandated topics would be delivered separately. Officers attending the mandated sessions would then register for additional training from the “elective” training course catalog. The final component of the proposed training model recognizes that very little learning occurs in the latter hours of 8 hours of instruction with little break time. The standard training day can and should be shortened. This training model holds a number of advantages for law enforcement agencies. First, training is compacted into digestible lessons that focus on essential information needed to achieve a course’s outcome objectives. Second, students/trainees are highly motivated to attend training on topics in which they have personal interest. Third, agencies can reduce the training day without any loss in the level of instruction. Consequently, morale will improve in a training atmosphere that understands and supports officer-students. 4 notes