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Training in Community Policing: A Suggested Curriculum

NCJ Number
182099
Journal
Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management Volume: 23 Issue: 1 Dated: 2000 Pages: 8-21
Author(s)
Michael J. Palmiotto; Michael L. Birzer; N. Prabha Unnithan
Editor(s)
Lawrence F. Travis III
Date Published
2000
Length
14 pages
Annotation
The widespread acceptance of community policing requires the proper training of police recruits in the philosophy and practices of community policing, and a suggested curriculum for such training is presented.
Abstract
Any community police recruit training program should be based on three premises: (1) Police officers should possess a sense of social history; (2) Police officers should be inculcated with a sense of society and community; and (3) Police officers should be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to incorporate community policing into their work. Although the philosophy of community policing should be taught in all aspects of police recruit training, several specific classes should be included in the police recruit training curriculum. These classes should focus on police department philosophy and organizational structure, socioeconomic and political makeup of the community, cultural diversity in the community, police history, police operations, police mission and culture, police discretion, police conduct and ethics, problem-oriented policing, crime prevention, and community-oriented policing. The rationale for the suggested training curriculum and appropriate training methods are discussed. 39 references and 1 table