NCJ Number
91065
Journal
Journal of Police Science and Administration Volume: 11 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1983) Pages: 296-302
Date Published
1983
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This 1982 study examines the selection and education of police instructors for 28 urban departments, as well as prior teaching experience, instructor training, length of time as instructor, instructor certification, and instructor evaluation.
Abstract
A department was selected for the study if it met either or both of the following criteria: (1) was a participant in the 1952 study which assessed the nature and quality of police recruit training in major urban departments and (2) was included in the list of major city chief administrators maintained by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. The survey revealed a professional approach to recruit training. Instructors are selected through the use of relevant criteria, and their ability to teach is not assumed but rather is addressed through instructor training. In-class performance is assessed through a formal evaluation process. The length of time instructors have been engaged in recruit training suggests that evaluations are positive. A final indicator of instructor professionalism is seen in the fact that most were required to meet State certification guidelines. These findings do not appear to differ by department size, as the small as well as the medium and large urban departments surveyed evidenced such professionalism. Overall, change in police training since the 1952 study, as measured through instructor selection and education variables, has been positive. Tabular data and seven references are provided.