As society continues to evolve, the policing profession must evolve with it to meet new demands and challenges.
Over the past decade, we have witnessed this tremendous evolution. From the introduction of new technology, to changes in policing tactics, to our expanding roles in the types of calls for service we answer, to the ever-changing nature of the threats that we and our communities face—all of these pressures require a constant evolution in training methods.
In the past, most law enforcement training was focused on basic skills such as knowledge of laws and procedures, firearm safety and use, defensive tactics, and physical fitness. Today, the scope of law enforcement training has expanded to include de-escalation, crisis intervention, cultural competency, understanding the psychological and emotional impact of trauma on officers, the importance of wellness, and many other topics.
Our responsibility as police leaders is to always be conscious of new and expanding training opportunities.
Our responsibility as police leaders is to always be conscious of new and expanding training opportunities, to stay up-to-date on the latest laws and regulations and how they may impact training and tactics, and to explore new and innovative approaches so that our officers and non-sworn staff remain safe and are able to effectively address the various situations that they face while maintaining trusting relationships with our communities.
We have seen the tremendous impact that technology has had on training and education in recent years. One of the most recent developments in law enforcement training has been the introduction of virtual reality (VR) simulations. These simulations allow officers to experience realistic scenarios in a controlled environment, giving them an opportunity to practice their skills in a safe but true-to-life manner. VR can be used to simulate a variety of scenarios, such as active shooter situations, hostage negotiations, and mental health crises, giving officers the opportunity to experience real-life situations in a controlled environment.
Agencies all over the globe are implementing VR training simulations. For example, Taiwan recently incorporated VR technologies in the training of officers at the National Police Agency (NPA) to better prepare them for handling various situations they may encounter on the job. Through this training, officers can refine their de-escalation skills and work with fellow officers to bring situations under control. Additionally, the NPA has set up 10 simulated shooting ranges to aid in firearms training.
The NPA is not the only agency doing this—there are countless examples
in the United States as well, as seen with the Scranton and Dunmore police departments in Pennsylvania. They are using VR simulations to immerse police officers in different scenarios of varying intensity. Instructors are then able to observe how each officer handles the situation and provide constructive feedback in real time. Furthermore, these agencies are taking a regional approach, by providing other agencies with access to this important training tool. Doing so has allowed agencies who may not be able to invest in such technology to also benefit from this training. This is a great example of collaboration in our profession, with the outcomes of serving many communities and enhancing officer safety regionally.
Another innovative element that has changed the face of law enforcement training is that of body-worn cameras. Body-worn cameras provide a first-hand account of an incident, giving officers an accurate view of the situation and allowing them to review the footage for learning purposes and to further identify training needs. The use of body-worn cameras has also been shown to reduce police misconduct while improving public trust in law enforcement. The use of this technology also has the potential for improving community members’ behavior while interacting with the police when people know their actions are being recorded.
Finally, law enforcement agencies are using data and analytics to evaluate the performance of their personnel, allowing police leaders to not only assess the performance of individual officers, but also the performance of the agency overall. This has helped law enforcement agencies identify areas of improvement and develop more targeted training, while also validating the training programs that meet their needs.
As the profession continues to advance to keep pace with the changing needs of our communities and the ever-evolving threat landscape, innovation in law enforcement training will remain essential for ensuring that officers have the skills and resources they need to stay safe and protect their communities. With the help of technology and new approaches to training, law enforcement organizations can provide their personnel with the tools they need to do their jobs effectively and efficiently.d
