NCJ Number
122069
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 56 Issue: 11 Dated: (November 1989) Pages: 18,21
Date Published
1989
Length
2 pages
Annotation
Adoption of a strategic planning approach to training requires police administrators to implement a five-step process consisting of basic certification instruction, post-basic orientation and training, intermediate job/task skills development, advanced skills development, and ongoing proficiency training and certification.
Abstract
Police administrators must prepare for anticipated human resource needs by projecting line officer vacancies through the examination of annual turnover rates resulting from retirements, resignations, etc., and the assessment of the impact of promotions and assignments to specialized units on static staffing levels. The assignment of probationary officers to a specially trained and certified mentor or field training officer is a logical extension of the selection process. Once recruit officers have demonstrated their ability to use the knowledge obtained in basic police training and are capable of assuming broader job/task responsibilities, their informational base must be expanded. Advanced skills development occurs when the agency identifies specialized instructional areas and methodically selects the most appropriate personnel to receive such instruction. Officers should periodically demonstrate their skill levels and receive instruction to foster more proficient application of these skills.