Describe the unique challenges posed to those who engage in training of police officers

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Policing often attracts action-oriented individuals, so officers tend to be more receptive to hands-on skills training, such as arrest methods, weaponless defense, pursuit driving, firearms proficiency, and baton usage. However, only a small fraction of the typical officer's work routine involves the use of such skills, and thus training must focus on what they need to know in order to do their job well. It should also be driven by the mission of the agency. Police training is best conducted – and better received – when it reflects skills with immediately recognizable application to the job and when that message is constantly reinforced throughout the training. Thus, officers typically prefer to be instructed by persons who both possess expertise in the activity and have police experience. Furthermore, an environment that is conducive to learning, with a clearly stated outcome that inspires learners' physical and mental engagement, and activities that precipitate critical thinking and problem solving are important training processes.