Law Enforcement Training Research Articles

Law enforcement recruit fitness: Changes across the fitness spectrum.

Law enforcement is a profession of sedentary physical activity interspersed with physically demanding activity that requires high levels of fitness. It is imperative that agencies training law enforcement recruits maximise their fitness during their time at the academy. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in physical fitness during academy training. Retrospective data for 10 academy recruit classes, totalling 715 participants, were collected from a US law enforcement agency. The change in performance on two standardised tests were used as outcome measures. Comparisons were made between percentiles utilising one-way ANOVA and a linear mixed model (LMM). Overall, higher percentiles were found to have smaller improvements in physical fitness than lower percentiles. The results of the LMM support this supposition, showing that lower physical fitness scores resulted in greater improvements in a generalised fitness assessment (value = -0.45, standard error 0.02, p < 0.001) and an occupational assessment (value = -0.49, standard error = 0.02, p < 0.001). The results of this study suggest that recruits with lower physical fitness will see greater improvements during academy training. This could be due to a ceiling effect for the more fit but may also be due to recruits of higher physical fitness being under trained during academy. Utilising ability-based training and prescribing an appropriate workload to recruits of higher fitness may improve overall recruit fitness upon graduation.

Features of Teaching First Aid Skills to People without Medical Education

A comparative study was conducted on the effectiveness of various methods of training law enforcement officers of the Krasnodar Territory in providing first aid, taking into account the specific conditions of official activity.

Assessing and Enhancing Core Competencies in Vocational Education: A Case Study of Senior Students at Guangxi Police College, China

This study evaluates the core competencies of senior students at Guangxi Police College within the framework of higher vocational education and provides guidelines for enhancing these skills. A Likert 5-Point Scale questionnaire based on Lin Chongde’s 2017 framework assessed these competencies among 155 students. A statistical study of the data, concentrating on mean values and standard deviations, indicated variable levels of competence across six dimensions: moral awareness, social responsibility, cultural comprehension, critical thinking, language competency, and aesthetic appreciation. They demonstrated high levels of ethical awareness, social responsibility, cultural understanding, critical thinking, and aesthetic appreciation, while language abilities were graded as medium, indicating a need for targeted improvement. Recommendations include incorporating interactive language activities and industry-specific training, targeting critical thinking through case studies and debate clubs, broadening cultural understanding through international exposure, cultivating aesthetic appreciation through art classes, and increasing social responsibility through community service and internships. Integrating ethics education across all disciplines and practical ethical dilemma workshops were suggested to promote moral awareness. This study presents a complete examination of basic abilities in a vocational environment and offers actionable suggestions for educational improvement. This paper addresses the critical gap in creating vocational training programs for police officers. It focuses on police students' vocational education and provides a detailed assessment of fundamental abilities adapted for law enforcement training. The study findings give an insightful overview of the viable future revisions in vocational programs that match the educational requirements and practical demands of the police profession.

Confidence, Training, and Barriers for Canadian Law Enforcement in Cases of Luring, Sexual Abuse, and Child Sexual Abuse Imagery

The exponential growth of Internet access has generated new platforms for child sexual abuse. The Internet serves as a platform for luring children to engage in sexual activity and also for accessing, distributing or producing sexually explicit material featuring children (“child sexual abuse imagery” (CSAI)). Both types of offenses have been criminalized in various jurisdictions around the world, compelling law enforcement professionals to detect, identify, investigate, and refer such offenses for prosecution. This study was conducted to understand law enforcement training, confidence, and barriers to responding to three categories of criminal activity involving the online sexual exploitation of children: (1) luring, (2) creation and distribution of CSAI, and (3) sexual abuse. This study surveyed two separate police units responsible for investigating sex crimes and/or child abuse in two large Canadian cities. More participants reported encountering a suspected or confirmed case of child sexual abuse within the last year than a case of luring or CSAI (57%, 45%, and 35%, respectively). Participants indicated they had received more formal training on investigating sexual abuse than luring or CSAI and felt less confident in their ability to investigate crimes involving technology and online platforms than other types of investigations. Participants were also more likely to encounter barriers relating to the “soft skills” of working with youth and their families relative to the “hard skills” of investigating criminal activity. Due to the exponential growth of online sexual abuse and the need for nimble and technologically savvy investigative responses, law enforcement should receive more formal training in all areas of online child sexual exploitation, including the criminal offenses of luring and CSAI.

Some aspects of tactical medicine in service and combat activities of police officers under the conditions of the legal regime of martial state: problem issues in critical situations and combat conditions

The article highlights the problematic issues of tactical training of law enforcement officers in today’s conditions, considers the actual problems and challenges that law enforcement officers may face during the performance of official duties and the provision of first aid in combat conditions and emergency situations. The issue of the interaction of the National Police of Ukraine with other rescue services at the scene for the effective provision of first aid was considered. It is noted that the interaction of the police and other rescue services at the scene of the event in the conditions of martial law requires a special approach and careful planning. It is necessary to ensure a clear coordination of actions, an appropriate level of protection for the personnel of the rescue services, and to take into account the peculiarities of work in the conditions of hostilities. Effective interaction between different services will minimize the consequences of emergency situations and ensure the safety of the population in the conditions of martial law. The article highlights the algorithm of actions for providing assistance to injured persons by police officers under fire, considers the key issues of training law enforcement officers to provide effective first aid in conditions of martial law or extreme situations in general. The authors of the article emphasize the importance of unified training programs for police officers in tactical medicine, which should include both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Special attention is paid to ensuring a high level of readiness of police officers for quick and effective response to emergency situations and saving lives in the conditions of an aggravated conflict. Service situations in which police officers may find themselves are often accompanied by conflicts and their escalation, up to “fire contact” with the offender. Therefore, for the training of police officers, the section of tactical medicine is the most relevant, which teaches the basic skills of providing self- and mutual aid in combat conditions, which are primarily aimed at eliminating the preventive causes of death, taking into account the threat from combat operations or an active shooter. Unfortunately, there are infamous cases of the death of police officers while performing law enforcement tasks, which indicates the need for mandatory integration of first aid standards into their training and operations in various tactical situations. In addition, it is important to note that training police officers in tactical medicine will not only help them provide effective care to victims, but will also increase their level of safety while performing their duties. Therefore, unified training programs for police officers in tactical medicine should be an integral part of the training of law enforcement officers.

Legal Analysis Of Handling The Criminal Acts Of Circulation And Use Of Counterfeit Rupiah Curriculum

This thesis discusses the handling of criminal acts of using and circulating counterfeit rupiah banknotes, with a focus on law enforcement efforts by the Riau Islands Regional Police. This research is motivated by the increasing cases of counterfeit rupiah banknotes in the Riau Islands which cause significant losses to the community and threaten regional economic stability. The main objective of this study is to analyze the effectiveness of law enforcement carried out by local police, as well as to identify and overcome obstacles faced in the process. The research method used is a qualitative approach, with data collection techniques through in-depth interviews, participatory observations, and documentation studies. The sample of this study consisted of police officers, legal experts, and victims of counterfeiting money. Data analysis was carried out using content analysis techniques to interpret the collected data, based on the framework of the theory of legal certainty from Sudikno Mertokusumo, the theory of legal systems from Lawrence M. Friedman, and the theory of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). The results show that law enforcement against rupiah counterfeiting in the Riau Islands faces several major obstacles, including limited resources, inter-agency coordination problems, and a lack of adequate training for law enforcement officers.The suggestions resulting from this study include increasing the allocation of resources, both in the form of equipment and training for officers, as well as strengthening cooperation between institutions involved in law enforcement, to increase effectiveness in identifying, preventing, and cracking down on the crime of using and circulating counterfeit money.

Diversi Bagi Anak Pelaku Tindak Pidana Kejahatan yang Jatuhan Pidananya Diatas 7 Tahun

Diversion is a critical mechanism in the juvenile criminal justice system in Indonesia, aimed at protecting the rights of children and preventing the negative impacts of formal criminal proceedings. This normative legal study explores the challenges and potential improvements in implementing diversion for juvenile offenders facing sentences over 7 years. The study utilizes secondary data sources, including the Indonesian Juvenile Criminal Justice System Law (Law No. 11 of 2012), Supreme Court Regulation No. 4 of 2014 on Diversion Guidelines, and relevant literature on restorative justice and child protection. The analysis reveals significant barriers, such as legal limitations, cultural factors, and inconsistencies with international standards like the Beijing Rules. The study concludes with recommendations for revising existing legislation to remove the 7-year sentence limitation, enhancing coordination among legal and rehabilitation institutions, providing restorative justice training for law enforcement, and increasing public awareness of the importance of diversion and child rights protection. These steps are essential for ensuring a more just and effective implementation of diversion in Indonesia.

Studying the Factors Contributing to the Sexual Harassment of Women in Jalalabad City, Afghanistan: A Social Perspective

This research looked at the social causes of sexual harassment of women in Jalalabad City, Afghanistan, and discovered workable solutions. The study included descriptive analyses, content analysis, field-based data collecting, and a qualitative methodology. Semi-structured interviews with married women who experienced sexual harassment, offenders, and community members were used to gather qualitative data. Two hundred semi-structured interviews with a representative sample of married women in Jalalabad City, Afghanistan, were conducted as part of the survey research approach. This research examined the ways in which patriarchal attitudes, societal norms, dominant expectations, sexual perception, non-mahrams, cohabitation, excessive freedom, honor culture contribute to sexual harassment. The study, based on feminist theory, identified 20 societal factors contributing to sexual harassment, including social stigma, lack of knowledge, and negligent legal enforcement, and suggested preventive measures like community education campaigns and legislative changes. In Jalalabad City, Afghanistan, sexual harassment of women is a serious issue with societal contributing elements. Effective prevention of sexual harassment requires a holistic strategy that addresses societal norms, empowers women, and strengthens legal frameworks, while also considering cultural norms, inadequate enforcement mechanisms, and a culture of silence. In order to advance gender equality, provide safer surroundings, and stop sexual harassment of women in Jalalabad City, Afghanistan, this paper makes specific recommendations for legislators, non-governmental organizations, and local authorities. Based on these findings, this study recommends evidence-based prevention methods. These could involve advertisements for sexual harassment awareness, legal changes for better protection, and training for law enforcement on handling complaints more effectively.

Enhancing de‐escalation and crisis response training for law enforcement (DOJ)

Enhancing de‐escalation and crisis response training for law enforcement (DOJ)

Digital shadows: confronting the rise of technology-facilitated sexual violence and the quest for systemic solutions

ABSTRACT This article explores Technology Facilitated Sexual Violence (TFSV), a rising issue in the digital era. TFSV encompasses online harassment, cyberstalking, and image-based exploitation via digital technologies. Unlike previous studies focusing on youth, this one includes adults. Surveys in Australia and the U.S. show TFSV’s high occurrence in adults. Using a qualitative method, the study involves legal and mental health experts to discuss TFSV’s effects, challenges, and solutions. Findings indicate frequent use of social media for abuse, causing victims significant mental distress like fear and trauma. The study points out the gap between fast-paced technological growth and the slower response of legal systems, resulting in ill-prepared professionals for handling digital abuse. It urges immediate, multi-pronged action against TFSV, including training for legal and law enforcement, education for practitioners and victims, and cross-sector collaboration. The article emphasizes the necessity of a better, comprehensive response to TFSV, advocating for an informed and inclusive approach in addressing digital sexual violence.

Training Law Enforcement Officers About Autism: Evaluation of Adding Virtual Reality or Simulation to a Traditional Training Approach.

Prevalence rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across the globe and lifespan suggest that law enforcement officers (LEOs) are likely to interact with autistic people in their professional duties. In developed countries, LEOs have professional encounters with autistic individuals, and research strongly supports LEOs need training to increase their knowledge about autism and confidence interacting with autistic people. The purpose of the present study is to compare three training approaches with LEOs: (a) a training presentation alone (P), (b) a training presentation combined with virtual reality simulation (P + VR), and (c) a training presentation combined with in-vivo simulation (P + SIM). The primary outcomes are LEO knowledge of autism and self-reported confidence in responding to autism calls. The present study included 259 LEOS who completed a survey assessing autism knowledge and confidence in level of skill before and after participating in ASD-specific training for LEOs. Findings support that participant knowledge of autism and confidence in responding significantly increased for all LEOs equally across training conditions. Results support that formalized training in ASD significantly impacts LEO's knowledge of ASD and confidence responding to calls. As such, standardized training for LEOs is needed to assure appropriate knowledge and confidence when responding to calls involving autistic persons.

Defilement and the Ugandan Criminal Justice System

Defilement stands out from the obstacles suffered by the Uganda's children. Defilement, a sexual offence, that involves having canal knowledge with a kid under the age of majority, regardless of sex, poses a societal hazard and hindrance. Despite the provisions of the criminal law in Uganda, official statistics on defilement continue to be climbing yearly. This anomaly has taken many legislators aback and made them confused on how to approach it. This confusion necessitated the present study that thoroughly examined defilement and the Ugandan criminal justice system. The study secondarily sourced its data from textbooks, policy briefs, newspaper publications, journal articles, technological blogs, court decisions and statutory provisions. The study recommends constant awareness on defilement risks to be raised by the government. This is because lack of legal awareness makes destruction of evidence by the victims who rush to bathe after being defiled. In certain cases, the victim shields the abuser from police. Additionally, there should be enhancing record keeping to help victims prove defilement components like age. Due to lack of birth certificates for some children, which makes it hard to determine the victim's age, the need for medical personnel to be informed of defilement cases so they can assist in prosecution, and the need to train law enforcement agents on how to handle defilement cases, record keeping should be improved. More so, there need for increase in the number of remand homes for child offenders. This is crucial given Uganda's high child-to-child sex rate. Child perpetrators need remand centres, and more remand houses should be established to accommodate the vulnerable state of defiled victims. Keywords: Child perpetrators, Criminal justice system, Defilement, Offenders, Remand centres.

Enhancing law enforcement training: A gamified approach to detecting terrorism financing

Tools for fighting cyber-criminal activities using new technologies are promoted and deployed every day. However, too often, they are unnecessarily complex and hard to use, requiring deep domain and technical knowledge. These characteristics often limit the engagement of law enforcement and end-users in these technologies, which despite their potential, remain misunderstood. For this reason, in this study, we describe our experience in combining learning and training methods and the potential benefits of gamification to enhance technology transfer and increase adult learning. In this case, participants are experienced practitioners in professions/industries that are exposed to terrorism financing (such as law enforcement officers, financial investigation officers, private investigators). We define training activities on different levels for increasing the exchange of information about new trends and criminal modus operandi among and within law enforcement agencies, intensifying cross-border cooperation and supporting efforts to combat and prevent terrorism-funding activities. A game (hackathon) is designed to address realistic challenges related to the darknet, crypto-assets, new payment systems and dark web marketplaces that could be used for terrorist activities. The entire methodology was evaluated using quizzes, contest results and engagement metrics. In particular, training events show that ∼60% of participants complete the 11-week training course, whereas the hackathon results, gathered in two pilot studies (Madrid and The Hague), show increasing expertise among participants (progression in the points achieved on average). At the same time, more than 70% of participants positively evaluate use of the gamification approach, and more than 85% consider the implemented use cases suitable for their investigations. These outcomes are further discussed to detect the introduced approach's benefits and limitations and improve future events.

Current issues of research on special physical and psychological training of law enforcement forces in extreme conditions

To ensure the protection of the population of Ukraine and counteract these negative phenomena, it is necessary to continuously improve the system of training law enforcement forces and the readiness of the entire security sector to act in extreme situations. The analysis of special scientific and methodological literature showed that insufficient attention was paid to some aspects of the problem of improving the special physical, functional and psychological preparedness of law enforcement forces, in connection with which we consider the chosen direction of research to be relevant. The goal is to research the current state and study the features and importance of special physical and psychological training of law enforcement forces under the influence of extreme situations. We have developed and planned the implementation of a science-based training program (with additions and expansions of the existing program) to improve the special, functional and psychological training of law enforcement forces, taking into account extreme situations.

Vámszakemberek közös képzése az Európai Unióban

Aim: The aim of the study is to present a solution, currently operating as a group of experts, with the mission to support the activities of customs professionals at the EU’s eastern and south-eastern external land borders. The experts group provide support in the areas of risk management, customs controls, equipment and procurement, training on different topics, performance measurement and evaluation, and cooperation with other border services. The relevance of the expert group is further enhanced by the fact that it is occasionally mentioned in publications analysing the reform package of the Customs Union.Methodology: In addition to the analysis of the relevant literature, the secondary research has examined EU documents related to the creation of the expert group or its activities during the project periods. The comparative analysis included other organisations providing training in the field of law enforcement whose activities are in many cases similar, for example in terms of the subjects of training or the countries involved.Findings: The research has shown that there are several organisations in the field of law enforcement training which, although they have similarities, also have differences in terms of the subjects covered, the professions involved and the countries in which they operate. It is rather the cooperation and joint thinking between the different organisations that leads to results.Value: The value of the research lies in the customs approach, which is evident throughout the study, the gap filling nature of the article and the comparison with other organisations involved in law enforcement training.

Foreign experience of legal regulation of law enforcement training and the main directions of its implementation in Ukraine regarding tactical competence

The article explores specific aspects of the foreign experience in the normative and legal regulation of law enforcement training. In particular, attention is focused on the directions for implementing aspects related to tactical competence in Ukraine. The establishment of an effective system for training, retraining, and qualification enhancement, as well as specific aspects of tactical training for personnel in security and defense forces, is one of the priority directions in the national security of leading foreign countries worldwide. The activities of law enforcement forces represent a specialized sphere. According to researchers, this type of activity involves units responsible for maintaining public order and ensuring public safety, protecting state facilities, and more. It encompasses preventive, protective, regulatory, isolation-restrictive measures, and special operations carried out during peacetime, under extraordinary circumstances, and in times of war. These activities aim to safeguard facilities, ensure the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state, its constitutional order, public safety, legality, and law and order. Community-oriented policing is a philosophy (a way of thinking) and an organizational strategy (a way of implementing the philosophy) that allows the police and the community to work together in new ways to address issues related to crime, public order violations, and safety, with the goal of improving the quality of life for every citizen belonging to a particular community. This philosophy is built on the previously established belief that people deserve the right to have a say in public order protection in exchange for their participation and support. It also rests on the viewpoint that to address community issues, the police and the community need to collaborate to explore new ways of solving community problems, rather than merely reacting to individual crimes or events.

Перспективные методы установления личности неизвестного преступника: криминалистический профайлинг

The article discusses the concept of criminalistic profiling, analyzes foreign and domestic experience in the use of psychological profiling, provides examples of the effectiveness of using this method; reveals the methodology for compiling a psychological portrait of an alleged criminal, studies the possibility of training law enforcement officers on the use of criminalistic profiling techniques.

Challenges and opportunities for minority students at police academies: A national sample

This article examines institutional factors influencing graduation rates for police trainees of different races and ethnic groups. The study is based on the Census of Law Enforcement Training Academies data collected in 2013 and 2018. It uses both analysis of variance and ordinary least squares regressions to analyze the data. Overall, the article reports a statistically significant improvement for Hispanic trainees’ graduation rates when comparing 2013 and 2018. However, the same was not true for Black students at the police academies who continued to trail in 2018 compared with both White and Hispanic students. Our findings show that the length of the program and the location of the academy in the South were negatively influencing the graduation rates for all groups of cadets in both datasets. Other findings show that minority trainees were more likely to succeed where minimum education requirements for the instructors were in place, academies were affiliated with academic institutions, field training was the preferred mode of instruction, and where dormitories were not present.

Law enforcement training on child trafficking: Engaging all stakeholders

Abstract Since the passage of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act in 2000, there have been rapid changes in the criminal justice and juvenile justice systems’ ability to identify, investigate, and prosecute cases of human trafficking and work effectively with survivors. Law enforcement officers are often the first to encounter victims, and their training in this area is critical. While trainings have expanded, they are still missing in many jurisdictions and are understudied. The impact of a 2-day, interdisciplinary, skill-based, and victim-centred child trafficking in-service training is evaluated via regression analysis of pre–post surveys with 187 participants. Results indicate that the training significantly improved both perceived trafficking-related knowledge and self-efficacy. Implications for policing and research include expanding and deepening skill-focussed interdisciplinary child sex trafficking training for law enforcement personnel that engages multiple stakeholders, including trafficking survivors.

Sustaining Service: An Appreciative Inquiry into Exemplary Long Term Law Enforcement Career

In law enforcement, retirement frequently signifies the change from a career of committed service to a much-deserved moment of rest and contemplation. The study aimed to understand the factors that contribute to the success and longevity of law enforcement professionals with exemplary careers. The study utilized a qualitative research design, specifically appreciative inquiry (AI), conducted in a city within the province of Misamis Occidental, located in northern Mindanao, Philippines. Participants included nine retired uniform personnel from the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and Bureau of Fire Protection. Data collection relied on an interview guide questionnaire as the primary instrument for gathering relevant study data. There were four (4) themes in the study, namely Commitment to Service and Upholding the Law, Personal Strengths and Professional Goals, Integrating Experiences into Training Programs, Communication, Empathy, and Community Engagement. The findings highlighted that the retired officers attributed their career longevity to personal resilience, adaptability, and a clear sense of professional purpose. The conclusions emphasize the enduring significance of law enforcement in ensuring public safety and promoting fairness and accountability. Law Enforcement Agencies may continue to integrate experiential learning and mentorship into law enforcement training curriculums to better prepare recruits for real-world challenges.