NCJ Number
84706
Journal
Australian Police Journal Volume: 36 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1982) Pages: 141-148
Date Published
1982
Length
8 pages
Annotation
The training of police officers to handle domestic crises should emphasize behavioral goal definitions so that skills for their attainment can be specifically taught and measured.
Abstract
Although many police training programs place low priority on dealing with conflict situations, a large part of police work occurs in conflict situations. Police officers dislike handling domestic disturbances because of the dangers, the time involved, and the lack of skills for handling these situations. However, the frequency with which police are involved in domestic crises shows that police need training in dealing with crisis situations. Although all officers should be taught to deal with crises, a strong case can be made for training a small number of officers more extensively and for having them involved in liaison with community agencies and referrals. Although the American programs studied all used outside consultants to plan and conduct the training, Australian programs should use consultants as resources during planning and should emphasize the preparation of the departments' own personnel as instructors. Training should be conducted in small classes to ensure the individual attention required to teach specific skills. The training should also emphasize techniques which demand individual participation and experience in specific situations. Role-playing, preferably with videotapes, is the best training technique for crisis intervention. Basic skills which should be taught include using effective nonverbal behavior, using effective verbal behavior, and establishing effective relationships. This training enables officers to experience reactions and test alternative behavioral responses to conflict situations. Footnotes are provided.