Sunday, October 1, 2023
Training vs. Proactive Professional Development Through Education
By Thomas Gillan, CLT, CMS, CLC – Director P S U Crisis Management and Training Group, Inc.
The Police Stress Unit P S U Frontline Wellness Solutions Phone: 407-497-1465 e-mail: leotrainer@aol.com
American Law Enforcement Officers must continue to develop their skills after they
graduate from the police academy. The average American law enforcement recruit receives
between 600 to 800 hours (20 weeks) of training at the academy to prepare them for this
noble profession. Some agencies offer excellent educational opportunities, while others
provide only the legally required annual training in such areas as firearms, use of force, first
aid, and legal updates. Either way, the responsibility for growth rests on the individual, not
the agency they work for. Officers must take charge of their own development. They need to
create a plan with short- and long-term goals and then identify and pursue training
opportunities to meet their professional needs.
Every Officer Must Consider the Importance of Professional Development
Law Enforcement Officers will find substantial value in managing their professional development
plan. These personnel will not only enhance their skills buts also enjoy considerable benefits. Today,
Law Enforcement Officers face challenges like never before. Officers are called to answer many
types of 911 calls. Quality instruction presented by experienced interaction instructors can
help them effectively respond to calls, deal with difficult situations, and investigate at a higher skill
level. Each incident that arises brings a new set of circumstances. Interactive training can prepare an
officer for complex and unexpected situations. A recent study on What Students Want:
Characteristics of Effective Instructors found that Respect, Knowledge (Experience), and the ability
to communicate and engage were most important characteristics.
Quality training classes can recharge and energize personnel. A day or a week of training offers a
break from normal duties and affords the opportunity to learn new and improved practices. Many
officers report by to their daily duties much more motivated. This is especially true for classes that
offer universal training. These classes include stress and trauma awareness and wellness, officer
safety, leadership, crisis management, conflict resolution, de-escalation, and serving with honor and
integrity. Officers should seek a variety of educational experiences to increase their overall
knowledge and value.
While attending and participating in such developmental opportunities, officers can build a network
of contacts. At these classes, officers can introduce themselves to colleagues, enjoy building new
relationships over lunch, and exchange contact information. Personnel should follow up, by
connecting via the internet and social media. A patrol sergeant you meet today may direct or own a
security firm in the future. It is who you meet and who you know. Relationships matter.
Officers Need to Develop a Plan of Action
First, make a list of training classes you have attended and then make a list of training classes you are
interested attending. At the beginning of each year, officers should identify any training they wish to
attend in the coming 12 months. Also, officers can check training websites monthly to
assess up-coming class availability. Many colleges and universities offer classes along with local and
regional criminal justice academies. Many private training companies like Training Force USA offer
specialty classes including Investigations Using Cell Phone & Cell Tower Technology, Leadership
Coaching for First Line Supervisors, Managing Generational Differences and Dealing with Problem
Employees, Policing in the 21st Century with Honor and Integrity, Property and Evidence
Management, LEO Report Writing, De-escalation for Officer Safety, Wearing the Badge Behind
Bars, Courtroom Karate, Human Trafficking Awareness for Law Enforcement, and Comm Center
Personnel Wellness: So, You Do not Come Unplugged! FEMA, the Department of Justice, and
many Private Training Companies now offer On-Line Classes on many topics to save time and
money and provide safety in these uncertain times.
Here Are Some Training Pointers:
Training and Funding
Once officers decide on which class opportunities to pursue, they should contact their supervisor
and the agency training department with their requests. If money becomes an obstacle, officers can
offer to pay for the training in exchange for time off with pay to attend a class. Another option
includes departments host training classes. With this the department gets seats at no charge while
attending outside officers pay for the class. Officers can also look to their collective bargaining unit
for assistance. Some departments will build 40 hours of professional development training into the
resulting contract. Considering the importance of continuing education as a long-term investment,
personnel should create ways to set funds aside if necessary. For instance, they can allocate a certain
percentage of income or save earnings from overtime or off-duty work. In some cases, tuition may
be tax deductible.
Another area to look at are industry associations and fraternal organizations. In addition to training,
associations offer opportunities to form professional relationships and increase credibility. Officers
who hold an office or leadership position will find this especially true.
Conclusion
For a successful law enforcement career, officers must take a proactive approach towards their
professional development. They also will enjoy benefits that extend beyond retirement. Many
officers plan on a second occupation and training will help them find retirement/second career
opportunities. Any education with universal value can help prepare those seeking employment
outside of law enforcement. Officers must acquire training related to their immediate goals and
long-term needs.
References:
Perspective: Proactive Professional Development by Andrew A. DeMuth February 11, 2020
How To Pay for Law Enforcement Training by Staff Writer www.howtodothings.com/careers
How Police Departments Are Finding Money for Training March 2019 / Equipment & Technology, Training