NCJ Number
99152
Journal
Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology Volume: 1 Dated: (March 1985) Pages: 2-9
Date Published
1985
Length
8 pages
Annotation
A description of the training program developed for patrol recruits for the University of Arkansas Police Department emphasizes the use of the critical incident job analysis technique to develop the training program and the application of the assessment center procedure to rate trainees' progress.
Abstract
Using monthly reports for 1980 and direct observation of patrol officers' behaviors, the program developers have identified job dimensions critical to employee success. They also have identified routine aspects of the job and the amount of time spent in various activities. This information has formed the basis of a 3-week training program designed to handle one to five trainees at a time. The trainees spend the final 3 days of training in the assessment center, where they take a series of eight tests. Five entail traffic, criminal, and domestic situations that a patrol might encounter. The trainees take part in role playing exercises, with trainers serving as actors, correcting mistakes, and offering suggestions. The other three tests are a written test, a test of proficiency with the baton, and a 30-minute oral presentation on a specific area of patrol work. Four assessors rate the trainees, who repeat portions that they fail. Program advantages include its close linkage with actual patrol work and its objective method of determining what the trainee has learned. Tables and nine references are supplied.