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Police Academy Training, Performance, and Learning.
John O'Neill1, Dawn A O'Neill1, Katelyn Weed2
1Division of Research, Force Science® Institute, Ltd., Mankato, MN 56001 USA.
Behavior Analysis in Practice
|January 25, 2020
Summary
Police cadet training effectiveness varied by approach. Spaced sessions with feedback improved defensive tactics performance and learning more than block training, even post-graduation.
Area of Science:
- Law Enforcement Training
- Behavioral Science
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- Police academies utilize various training methods for defensive and control tactics.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of different training approaches is crucial for officer preparedness.
- Empirical data on the long-term impact of training methodologies is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To objectively analyze the performance and learning outcomes of cadets under different defensive and control tactics training methods.
- To compare the efficacy of single-session/block training versus spaced sessions with feedback.
- To assess the sustained impact of training interventions on officer performance and instructor behavior.
Main Methods:
- Empirical analysis of 115 cadets across 3 police academies in the United States.
- Three distinct training approaches were implemented and evaluated: block training, spaced sessions with small-group practice and feedback, and extended block training with feedback.
- Data collection included performance metrics during training and 16 weeks post-graduation.
Main Results:
- Spaced training sessions with scenario-based feedback (Experiment 2) showed superior cadet performance and learning compared to single-session or block training (Experiment 1).
- Extended block training with scenario-based feedback (Experiment 3) significantly improved instructor behavior and cadet performance, with lasting effects observed 16 weeks after graduation.
- Performance feedback positively influenced both instructor actions and cadet skill acquisition and retention.
Conclusions:
- Spaced, feedback-rich training methodologies are more effective for developing and retaining defensive and control tactics skills in police cadets.
- The findings support the integration of behavioral science principles into law enforcement training curricula.
- Further research is recommended to refine training protocols based on empirical evidence and enhance long-term officer performance.
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