NCJ Number
220153
Journal
Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies and Management Volume: 30 Issue: 3 Dated: 2007 Pages: 498-517
Date Published
2007
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This paper analyzes the extent to which traditional field training incorporates community-oriented policing and problem solving in its formal evaluation process by examining whether community policing can be successfully integrated in the San Jose field training model as a formal component of training and evaluation of police recruits.
Abstract
The San Jose field training model (FTO) integrated community policing as a formal part of the evaluation process. The agency endorses community policing and the recruits have been trained in community policing in the regional academy. However, findings suggest that, overall, the agency failed to incorporate community-oriented policing services (COPS) in the field training process. Though there has been considerable research in the area of community policing, little of it focuses on training, especially field training. Even though most agencies claim to practice community policing, they have failed to prepare their officers in the philosophies and skills necessary to perform the tasks well. Police academies are beginning to train recruits in community policing, but most agencies still use the San Jose FTO, which was developed before contemporary community policing existed. Because field training is such an important part of police socialization, police academies must teach recruits the skills of community policing. This paper analyzes formal field training evaluations and narratives in one police agency that uses the San Jose Field Training Officer Program. The agency endorses and practices community policing and problem solving. References, appendix