Police Officer Training: Why it’s More Than Just the Academy

In many countries, such as Finland, aspiring police officers undergo extensive education and training. However, the perception in the United States is often that police officers are only briefly trained at an academy before going on the job. This belief, however, underestimates the rigorous and ongoing nature of training that police officers in the U.S. undergo.

The Reality of Police Officer Training in the U.S.

While the average U.S. police academy requires approximately 680 hours to complete, this is just the beginning of a comprehensive training regimen. After the academy, police officers are placed in a 4-6 month field training program, which is crucial in transitioning from academic knowledge to practical skills needed on the job. In addition, there are yearly “in service” training sessions to ensure skills remain sharp, as well as specialized training for specific duties like standardized field sobriety testing, crisis intervention, and equipment operation.

Comparative Training in the U.S. and Finland

In Finland, police officers are required to complete three years of college studies. While this duration is impressive, the U.S. approach to training can be seen as more practical and accessible. The U.S. system starts with a foundational period at the academy, then builds on it with hands-on and continuous learning. A typical U.S. police officer engages in the following training:

680 hours to complete the police academy 400 hours of patrol school 400 hours of field training 20 hours of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) to maintain their POST (Police Officer Standards and Training) license 40 hours of continuing education annually to stay current with law and techniques

The Role of Ongoing Training

The belief in the general population is that police officers complete a brief academy and are ready for the job. However, the reality is that officers are continuously trained throughout their careers. Ongoing training is crucial for maintaining and enhancing skills, ensuring public safety, and adapting to changing laws and technologies. Departments also provide "briefing" sessions to cover new laws, techniques, and equipment. These sessions are essential in ensuring officers are up-to-date with current standards and practices.

The Impact of Budget Cuts on Training

When municipal and county budgets are strained, training often becomes the first area to be reduced. Departmental training may include in-house sessions and workshops, which can be adequate but lack the breadth and depth of external training. Attending state or national conferences allows officers to exchange ideas, learn from peers, and stay informed about best practices. However, these conferences can be expensive due to travel costs, and some departments find it challenging to allocate resources.

Furthermore, hiring experts to provide specialized training is a line item that is frequently cut during budget crises. This can have a significant impact on the quality and effectiveness of police training programs. Despite these challenges, officers continue to strive for excellence and continuous improvement in their roles.

Conclusion

The belief that police officers in the U.S. are undertrained is a misconception. The rigorous and continuous training regimen ensures that officers are well-prepared to handle the complex and evolving challenges of their job. While budget constraints pose challenges, the commitment to ongoing training demonstrates the dedication of police departments to maintaining high standards of public service.