NCJ Number
106915
Journal
Police Journal Volume: 60 Issue: 3 Dated: (July-September 1987) Pages: 232-248
Date Published
1987
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This article assesses basic minimum recruit training in police-community relations by comparing mandated courses on the subject with relevant recommendations in the literature.
Abstract
Sixty-seven percent of the States offer specific community relations training in their minimum basic training programs, evidencing a serious omission in a significant number of police training programs. Of those courses that exist, the content is generally not based on the sophisticated concepts found in the relevant literature. The course content does not generally persuade officers that community relations skills are crucial to their psychological well-being and their performance as officers. There is a wide variety in course content among the States. Although uniformity in course content throughout the Nation is not possible, a greater exchange of ideas among the States would narrow the wide variations in course content. The National Association of State Directors of Law Enforcement Training could assist by providing criteria for police-community relations instruction. An outline of State police-community relations courses and 49 references.