The purpose of training, especially as practiced in law enforcement, is to produce a desired change. Merely hoping for change produces dismal results; either it does not happen or the results are not desired. Problems include desired changes that are unclear, merely suggested, or superficial.

Many law enforcement professionals have been to classes after which they wondered what the point was or if the point is practically applicable. Equally problematic is that bits and pieces may be recalled and applied, but out of sequence or context; they are ineffective and the training is written off. Probably the worst case is that training is commonly tolerated only for the purpose of license or certification renewal, so agencies may waste money on training that is never utilized. If law enforcement does not train for effective change, then it is pointless. Changes range from the broadest scope at the academy level to fine tuning for high levels of expertise. The challenge is getting the training to stick, and that challenge frequently goes unaddressed.