Training and selection of police officers: toward a community police model

Abstract

In the study of Training and Selection of Police Officers: Toward a Community Police Model the researcher relied on data gathered using questionnaires distributed in a broad geographical range and among a diverse but relevant respondent population. Samples were obtained from police officers, and candidate officers in training and citizens from the southeastern and northeastern sections of the United States.

Overall accuracy of survey documents is believed to be high. Survey documents were tested using a Chronbach's alpha test for validity and were constructed around a Likert type scale for responses. Analysis of data was accomplished using a one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) Tukey post hoc test with a .05 level of significance.

Outcomes suggested a relationship between more conservative belief patterns among police officers and their post secondary education levels. Additional possibilities were noted in the overall training systems related to the police respondents as in alignment with current needs for traditional policing but, not necessarily adequate for community policing needs. These views also proceeded along educational lines. In addition, outcomes of researched based secondary education models constructed during the research, and even European models for police selection and training may offer some solutions for police in the United States. Other valuable points found during the study were indicators that careful personnel selection and college education when found in predominance among members, seemed to positively alter the general working environment of one police agency involved in the study.