Recruitment and Training

Introduction

The purpose of this paper was to examine the recruitment and training polices in todayЃfs police force. Research found that while some expectations are the same, depending on the department there are differences in some aspects of recruitment and training.

Table of contents

Ѓњ Introduction Pg. 2

Ѓњ Table of contents Pg. 3

Ѓњ Recruitment Pg. 4-5

Ѓњ Training Pg. 5

Ѓњ Police departments requirements Pg. 6-7

Ѓњ Reference page Pg. 10

There are many ways to recruit potential officers. Departments send officers to college campuses and to high schools to look for qualified individuals who would make proficient officers. Departments put ads in newspapers and buy spots on local television stations in the hopes of getting more applicants (Shultz, p. 418). Three police departments decide to recruit together. Now when individuals are hired they will be able to pick where they want to work and take a test specifically for where they want to work. So are saying that this is a negative change with in the departments. The recruiting department has put ads out including recruitment leaflets and commercials. It is thought that opening the door for easy transfers will help the department (Blumenthal, New York Times, 1991).

After the recruitment there are other stages in which the individual must pass to become selected to attend the academy. There are basic requirements you must be a United States citizen, the age requirement is usually 21 the maximum age differs depending on department, you have to have a high school diploma or GED (Shultz, p. 420-421). After you have met such requirements the applicant goes through what is called The Selection Procedure. The selection procedure is the written test; out of a possible 100 the passing score is usually 70. Most of the written tests are of objection in nature. The goal of this written test is to determine intelligence and aptitude. The physical exam is to eliminate those who are unable to meet the demand of the job. This test will include abdominal organs, dental, blood, ears, eyes, neck, mouth, nose, skin, venereal diseases, weight, neurological disorders, upper and lower extremities. The physical agility test demonstrates physical fitness. The tests consist of body drag, obstacle clearance, strength determinant, foot pursuit, body pull ups, emergency response and changing a flat tire.

If you pass these tests then you will move on to the polygraph exam. This is used to show how honest an applicant is. Finally there is the background investigation. The background investigation is used to check in to the past of an individual. The department checks out the friends and family of the individual applying for a job to see what kind of person he/she is (Shultz, p. 425-429).

Training happens when you enter the academy. After you complete the entire preliminary requirements you may get hired and able to attend the academy. At the academy you will be trained in all necessary fields to become the best police officer you can become. The academy is anywhere from three to six months depending on the department. Some academies you have to stay all week and come home on the weekends, other academies you drive daily and home nightly.

However, there is a need for police officers to learn in training good communication skills. There is also a need for officers to be up to date knowledge of the latest legal decisions, technological advances and tactical developments (Birzer, 2001, p. 233). There should be new approaches in police training. Real community problems should be taught