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Chapter 7
TRAINING AND BEYOND
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Chapter 7 Learning Objectives
After completing this chapter, students will know
• How training and educating differ
• What the manager’s single most important objective should be
• What two areas related to training are most commonly involved in civil lawsuits
• What are key ways to avoid civil liability related to training
• What instructional materials are available
• What LETN is
• What other training options exist
Chapter 7 Outline
Introduction
Training versus Educating
Training as a Management Function
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Variables Affecting Learning
Individual Variables
Learning Styles
Adult Learners
Instructional Methods
Reality-Based Training
Individual or Group Training
Field Training
Mentoring
In-House Training Sessions
Roll Call
Training at the Management Level
Benefits of Effective Training Programs
The Learning Organization
Summary
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Chapter 7 Summary
Training generally refers to vocational instruction that takes place on the job and deals
with physical skills. Education generally refers to academic instruction that takes place in
a college, university or seminar-type setting and deals with knowledge and
understanding. Both training and education are needed for effective learning.
Job analysis is the key to determining the content to teach and test. When content relates
directly to the tasks to be performed, it is considered valid. Tests that measure
competence in these tasks are then also valid. Training can focus on knowledge, skills or
attitudes.
Important learning principles include the following: base training on an identified need;
tell officers what the learning objective is; tell officers why they need to learn the
material; make sure officers have the necessary background to master the skill (the
Instructional methods include lecture, question/answer sessions, discussion,
video-conferencing, demonstration, hands-on learning, role playing, case studies and
simulations, including digital game-based learning. Online learning and training is also
becoming a popular method of instruction.
Instructional materials include printed information; visuals; bulletin boards;
audiocassettes, videocassettes and DVDs; television programs; and computer programs.
The Law Enforcement Television Network (LETN) is a private satellite television system
that provides current programs on a variety of law enforcement subjects; it is available
through subscription.
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Of the models of training typically used for law enforcement recruits, experts recommend
a blending of the paramilitary and the academic. On-the-job training may occur during
field training, mentoring, in-house training sessions or roll call. The most common type
Chapter 7 Key Terms
andragogy principles of adult learning
content validity the direct relationship between tasks performed on the job, the
curriculum or training and the test.
formative assessment uses information gathered during instruction to adjust and
improve program content and training.
interval reinforcement presenting information several times, with breaks between
the repetition.
prerequisites necessary background needed to master a given skill.
Classroom Discussion Questions
1. If you were to add one training subject to a recruit training program, what would
it be and why?
2. What do you think the minimum training period for a police recruit should be?
Why? What are the requirements in your state?
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6. Which instructional methods do you think are most effective? Least effective?
7. Which instructional materials do you think are most effective? Least effective?
8. What is the role of the employee in self-development?
9. When would you use a group or conference method of training?
Student Activities
1. Ask local police managers which instructional methods and materials they feel are
most effective and least effective. How extensively do they use lectures, seminars,
conferences and LETN programs?
Challenge Seven
Captain Hayley is responsible for the annual training plan for the Greenfield Police
Department. During Chief Slaughter’s crime-fighting tenure, Captain Hayley scheduled
frequent training for all officers in the use of firearms, defensive tactics and enforcing
criminal statutes. He scheduled training in pursuit driving and emergency medical
Chapter 7: Training and Beyond
Challenge Seven Questions and Suggested Answers
1. Was the training provided by Chief Slaughter job related and appropriate for the
tasks performed by his officers?
Officer safety is an essential component of any police training program. Although
firearms training is certainly job related, the Greenfield Police Department appears to
2. Captain Hayley should consider some fundamental changes in the training program
if he wants to emphasize a community-policing strategy rather than a crime-fighting
strategy. How might the blend of training versus educating change?
Community policing requires complex problem-solving skills based on knowledge,
3. Suggest three specific topics for Captain Hayley’s new training curriculum that relate
to community policing.
More than 90 percent of a police officer’s job involves written and oral
communications. Although it may be the most important skill an officer uses, few
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4. The new chief is encouraging a participative management style within the
department. In the past, the captains and Chief Slaughter determined the
department’s training needs. How can Captain Hayley reflect the department’s new
direction in how he selects training?
Captain Hayley should solicit input from the entire department as he develops a
training curriculum. Sergeants, officers and support staff all have unique perspectives
training curriculum influenced by their input.
5. Training resources are often limited. POST-required and liability-driven training can
consume a significant portion of the budget. What innovative training techniques
might Captain Hayley explore to save money and ensure high-quality training?
Describe three possible innovations.
Captain Hayley should consider cooperative arrangements with neighboring police
departments. Several departments can jointly sponsor high-quality workshops or
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6. If Captain Hayley reduces firearms training and adds communications training, he is
likely to face resistance from the officers. Why? How can he circumvent a dispute
over this change in the training curriculum?
Training is not always enjoyable, but it should always be job related. It may be fun
for everyone on the department to learn how to fire a bazooka, but probably not