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Houston Model - A Problem Solving Approach to Police Action

NCJ Number
103406
Journal
Police Journal Volume: LVIX Issue: 4 Dated: (October-December 1986) Pages: 324-330
Author(s)
B G Houston
Date Published
1986
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The training model employed for police recruits in New Zealand is based on the premise that it is possible to identify a set of common factors in most incidents and offenses which require police action and formulate them in a system or model.
Abstract
The model identifies seven major features, arranged in a logical and sequential relationship to each other. These are the complainant, assessment, witnesses, scene and exhibits, ingredients, powers, and offender. The model has five basic questions that must be asked: what happened; where, when, and who was involved; and what should be done? A third component of the model is the 'police approach' -- the method an officer uses to determine whether an offense has been committed and what action should be taken. The police approach requires a preliminary interview which involves listening, thinking, and assessing, and a main interview that consists of confirming and recording. The model was first used for inservice training in 1978. Its continued use for 6 years has convinced training staff that it provides a practical and realistic approach to police action.