NCJ Number
72072
Date Published
Unknown
Length
23 pages
Annotation
The report discusses the kinds of training that make police field procedures effective and suggests specific steps to update training in all stages of police work.
Abstract
Current training programs reflect practices established in the 1930's and are generally inadequate for the demands placed upon today's police. Current training practices vary widely in the areas of preservice, cadet, recruit, on-the-job, in-service, technical or specialized, supervisory, command and administrative, and college training. A reevaluation of the job analysis of patrol and traffic officers is a necessary first step in updating police training procedures. The design of a standardized minimum training program available to all police agencies must take into account ability and educational recruitment standards, the establishment of a balance between specialized and broad areas of study, and the probationary or internship period. Other specific recommendations emphasize reevaluation of the training needs for police at all levels, including specialization and command. Vocational education grants should provide colleges and universities with incentives to make educational resources available and to develop an inter-disciplinary approach to the professional development of the police leader. Criteria and materials should be developed for testing police training. Coordination of professional growth with other criminal justice agencies and the establishment of a national police publication under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Justice are needed. Intermediate steps in patrol training between formal lectures and informal initiation should be implemented and provision made on a national level for those areas of training not feasible locally. Three references are included.