NCJ Number
154783
Journal
American Journal of Police Volume: 12 Issue: 4 Dated: (1993) Pages: 23-45
Date Published
1993
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This 1990 survey found that basic training programs for State police officers varied greatly and reflected the diverse needs of police agencies.
Abstract
Directors of 49 State police agencies were contacted by mail and asked to submit a copy of their basic training curriculum; 48 agencies responded with either a copy of their basic training curriculum or a letter outlining course content. Survey findings revealed that all agencies met or exceeded the recommended 400 hours of basic training. Basic training program length ranged from 430 hours in Louisiana and New Jersey to 1,381 hours in West Virginia. The number of instructional hours per week ranged from 34.9 hours in Wisconsin to 57.6 hours in Idaho. Course content provided an introduction to the criminal justice system and focused on law, human values and problems, patrol and investigation procedures, police proficiency, police administration, and firearms and driver training. Survey findings identified areas in which basic training programs for State police could be improved, particularly with regard to human values and problems. 25 references, 7 notes, and 4 tables