NCJ Number
203785
Journal
Campus Law Enforcement Journal Volume: 33 Issue: 6 Dated: November/December 2003 Pages: 19,20,22,25
Editor(s)
Karen E. Breseman
Date Published
November 2003
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Through a brief analysis of the demand for law enforcement technology assisted training, such as e-learning and the cost-benefits associated with available Web-based training, this article examines the future of Web-based training in the field of law enforcement.
Abstract
The average percentage of training in law enforcement delivered by learning technologies grew slightly for 2002 from the 1998-1999 level of almost 9 percent. However, this small increase has been viewed as a possible trend upward in e-learning opportunities. Studies have mirrored this view of an increasing market demand for technology-assisted training, of which e-learning is a part. Web-based learning is acknowledged in lower training costs, increased employee retention, and the delivery of better goods and services. This article presents supportive literature on e-learning; however, the literature on e-learning, regarding its effectiveness as a law enforcement training tool, is minimal. Law enforcement personnel utilizing Web-based training should receive the same benefits as those of other organizations. Some benefits identified with Web-based training include: (1) flexibility, accessibility, and convenience; (2) inexpensive distribution; (3) ease of update; (4) no travel costs; and (5) effective training. Potential drawbacks of e-learning were also identified: (1) bandwidth limitations or slower performance for sound; (2) lack of human interaction; (3) not all courses are delivered well by computers; and (4) development costs. Law enforcement has been slow to accept e-learning due to two potential factors: a lack of funding to address the costly start-up costs and a lack of appreciation and understanding of the many utilities that e-learning provides. However, the primary driving force for accepting e-learning opportunities are the constant escalating costs of designing or purchasing current training programs and the call for innovation from new police recruits. The law enforcement agency of the future will likely include e-learning as both valuable and a useful resource for developing their employees. References