Systems Approach to Police Training - Some Important Considerations for Police Training Planners (From Police Source Book 2, 1985, P 674-685, Bruce Swanton et al, ed. - See NCJ-103735)

• NCJ Number: 103735
• Author(s): K J Rowe
• Date Published: 1985
• Length: 12 pages
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: Australia
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This paper discusses the conceptual and practical difficulties of implementing a systems approach to police training.

Abstract

A systems approach to police training develops job-relevant curricula content and standards, measures training effectiveness as a function of overt trainee behaviors, and establishes functional links between trainer and worker to ensure the maintenance of job-relevant instruction. The development of job-relevant curricula is typically based on self-reports by incumbent officers. This produces a 'status quo' conception of police tasks as well as unreliable and invalid job analyses. The emphasis on overt measures of trainee behavior narrows the focus to mechanistic skills while ignoring trainee's beliefs, values, intentions, and resourcefulness. Overall, the systems approach to training produces a vocationally narrow curriculum that produces and measures knowledge and skills only partially related to the identification and development of the kind of person required to perform contemporary policing tasks. A national independent inquiry should be conducted into the development, implementation, and appropriateness of current recruit and inservice training programs throughout Australian police forces, followed by a thorough job required to produce a qualified police officer. 33 references.