Skip to main content

Police education and training systems in the OSCE region

Description

This research was conducted in order to sustain the police training support aimed at adherence by the police to the rule of law and community safety, to improve the functioning of the police education and training system, and to address the challenges of the police education and training system remodelling as an essential part of the police reform by identifying the most promising national solutions of advanced education/training standards. It is recommended for a broad range of Ukrainian professionals dealing with police education and training (including basic and continuing training).

Summary

Police education and training is the foundation of an effective domestic security and safety system. Crime has become more complex and threats have been increasing. Officers charged with enforcing laws must be open to new approaches. Policing also involves the community, and the role of police in democratic societies has been increasingly important. Working closely and forming relationships with citizens from various backgrounds and ethnicities requires a socially intelligent and culturally aware officer. Well-educated and trained officers are much more adept and used to solving problems, thinking creatively, and exhibiting open-mindedness. Efficient and professional distinction based on police education/training is particularly important for the transition countries, constructing new police forces, and undertaking reforms in the law enforcement sector.

This research paper aims to provide information on education and training models in eight European countries, the U.S., and Canada, including:

  • An overview of the functioning of police education and training systems;
  • An analysis of the curricula for basic and specialized police training;
  • An evaluation of police in-service training and development; and
  • An assessment of HR management in police education and training institutions.

This research had the following objective and outcomes:

  • To obtain an overall view of the functioning of police education/training systems:
    • Including organizational structure of police education/training systems and its correlation with the system of legal education;
    • Subordination;
    • Funding sources of police education and training institutions;
    • Relationships between the country’s police force and education and training institutions;
    • Existing levels of professional education for police and their link to the recruitment and promotion within the police force;
    • Approaches to bridge theory and practice during the lifelong police training via professional internships, etc.
  • To analyze the curricula for basic and specialized (e.g., for a detective, forensic expert, etc.) police education/training:
    • Including admission procedures;
    • Terms of study;
    • General specialized policing courses;
    • Training and teaching methodologies;
    • Engagement of practitioners as trainers;
    • Quality control mechanisms and assessment system.
  • To obtain an overall view of police in-service training and developments, HR management in police education and training institutions.
  • To elaborate on recommendations after the international conference and identify the most promising national solutions for advanced training standards and curricula design, including by adherence to core values and principles of democratic policing.