NCJ Number
104294
Date Published
1986
Length
50 pages
Annotation
In 1982, a 10-year, comprehensive study of law enforcement training needs throughout the United States was initiated. Phase III of this study, conducted in 1985, reassessed perceived needs of 1,617 State and local law enforcement agencies.
Abstract
Analysis of data indicates that the majority of training needs given high priority by these agencies continues to involve basic police problems and skill areas. Most highly rated areas included personal stress management, interview and interrogation, physical fitness, evidence collection and preservation, and emergency/pursuit driving. Others included public relations, development of information sources, firearms handling, and report writing. Additional areas accorded high priority were testimony, crime scene search and documentation, crime scene protection, domestic dispute management, and intelligence operations. Ratings indicated that an average of 187,000 officers require additional training in one or more of these activities. Training needs were not found to vary greatly by geographic location. Results are discussed in terms of the need the need to explore alternative training delivery methods for law enforcement officers. 8 tables, 7 figures, and 9 references.