NCJ Number
170671
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 65 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1998) Pages: 29-30,33,35-36
Date Published
1998
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The challenges of police training are to provide better, faster, less costly training that makes use of new and emerging technologies; to offer realistic training that captures lessons learned in the field and incorporates them into training programs; and to find ways to mix training and education.
Abstract
There is an increased interest in specialization in policing. Training must continue to have a broad base, but training must also be provided for officers who pick specialized fields. There is an increasing need for computer training, whether the focus is on achieving computer literacy or addressing computer crimes. Further, telecommunications is an area of constant change that requires departments to train their communications personnel continuously. Also, critical-incident debriefing as well as support for an employee's mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health will become more important. Many academies have decreased the time students spend listening to lectures; 50 percent of a student's time may be spent in class, with the rest spent in training exercises. Some departments are beginning to offer elective courses. There are also indications of support for higher education. Some agencies encourage officers to pursue higher education by offering tuition reimbursement and salary increases based on education and education requirements.