Development of Computer-Based Training for Law Enforcement

• NCJ Number: 181404
• Date Published: August 1999
• Length: 47 pages
• Grant Number(s): 98-LB-VX-K018
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)

Annotation

The feasibility of using computer-based training for police training was tested by means of the development and testing of computer-based lessons on police patrol and the basics of policing.

Abstract

The curriculum development used an eight-part instructional design model. The instructional designers researched basic law enforcement training objectives and curricula from several States and developed the instructional strategies necessary to address the training tasks effectively. The research used Kirkpatrick's evaluation model to analyze and evaluate student reaction and learning for 2 of the 14 units developed. Pretest and posttest scores were recorded on floppy disks. Each student evaluator received a BETA Test Booklet to record responses to the computer-based training. The first BETA test on the unit on Patrol Concepts and Techniques was completed in January 1999 and produced an average student improvement of 26 percent. The second BETA test on the unit on Introduction to Law Enforcement was completed in March 1999 and reflected an average student improvement of 17.33 percent. The research project accomplished its four goals: (1) to demonstrate that this technology will standardize and improve consistency of law enforcement training for a geographically dispersed student population; (2) to develop interactive modules that are job based, logically sequenced, appealing to students; and deliverable at the learner's pace; (3) develop centralized tracking of student demographics and progress; and (4) provide a cost-effective alternative to residential courses of long duration. Appended course outline, analysis of law enforcement curricula, and related materials