Questions often arise regarding how to maintain a well-trained police force after the initial academy training. In your discussion, address the following:

 

What is the functional goal for the completion of in-service training?  

 

What is the importance of instructional methodology?

 

Provide an example of desirable methods of training for veteran officers.  

 

Why is instructional debriefing an important training technique?  

 

What does instructional debriefing accomplish with regards to effective training?

 

Our discussion first, individuals response, good and bad of post, list reference thanks

 

(Ra) wrote,

 

The functional goal of in-service training is to ensure officer safety and operational success. It is designed to increase productivity, improve morale, and reduce civil liability. (O’Keefe, 2004 pg 192)

 

Instructional methodology can make or break the officers perception of the training, therefore improving the receptiveness of the training. Traditionally in-service training through lectures is dry, boring, and sometimes even punishment.  Police officers are hands on, experience based learners, so forcing them to sit through hours of classroom lectures is not usually absorbed properly. (O’Keefe, 2004 pg 201)

 

Veteran officers prefer role playing, or hands on, “don’t tell me, show me” training. Making training realistic to mimic real scenarios they may or have faced makes the training valuable and personal for them.  Veteran officers can often be cynical, jaded, and even a little grumpy when they aren’t allowed to do things that are interesting to them. Challenging them with action based training keeps them engaged, and allows them to invest themselves into the training so that it provides a benefit, not boredom. Personally, I groan at the mention of in-service training, because it usually means we are going to have to sit still in a classroom for 4-8 hours, and learn about ways we can get fired or written up. Its not fun, and it is difficult to have a positive attitude about it. 

 

Instructional debriefing allows open discussion on not only the actions taken during the training, but also how to improve the training for next time. Real instruction can be given to the officer and can be tested or demonstrated to improve techniques applied.  It allows both the officer and instructor to understand the “what and why” of the purpose of the training, and builds skills through constructive dialogue, not just failure.

 

O’Keefe, J. (2004).Protecting the republic: The education and training of American police officers. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.