NCJ Number
219580
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 55 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2007 Pages: 22-24,27,28,30
Date Published
June 2007
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes the features of paramilitary training in entry-level police academies and argues for its benefits in the face of opponents who claim it undermines training for community-oriented policing.
Abstract
The paramilitary style of academy training is based on the military model. The structured environment of the paramilitary format promotes self-discipline in new recruits. The benefits of self-discipline include a commitment to following departmental policies, time management, and competent performance of and completion of duties even though they may be distasteful. Self-discipline is especially important for officers who are not being closely monitored and supervised. An ordered and well-developed paramilitary training system involves phases based in recruit tenure and progress. Phase I includes paramilitary drill and ceremony, stress training, public disciplinary measures, immediate reaction to infractions, daily inspections, value inculcation, no privileges, orientation to academy lifestyle, and an emphasis on individual discipline. Phase II includes a gauge for a level of compliance; continued reinforcement of values; some privileges; group disciplinary measures to promote team orientation; and a focus on academics, respect, and chain of command. Phase III emphasizes academics, time management, and punishing infractions through essay writing, extra work details, and reduction in privileges. Phase IV and V focus on individual responsibility for one's actions and compliance with core values and policies of a police agency. Although some advocates of community-oriented policing argue that paramilitary recruit training produces officers who are incapable of solving problems by interacting in a cooperative manner with citizens and community organizations, there is no empirical evidence of this. In fact, research has shown that graduates of the paramilitary style of training are working well with community groups to solve community problems, investigate crimes, and prevent crimes.