Training

In terms of what police training actually involves, there is unfortunately no nationwide standard. Cadets are required to go through a police academy and field training in order to become licensed officers, but the curriculum of these activities varies from state to state. Individual states also set annual continuing education requirements for officers, so managers have little control over these aspects of training. However, local governments can set additional or specific training requirements in addition to what the state allows, so if an issue is presenting itself a local government manager can push to have a particular type of training added to the local department’s curriculum. Of course, cost is often a significant barrier to increased training, as many of the most advanced training technologies like firearms training simulators are incredibly expensive. In addition, trainees need to be paid standard hourly wages, even though they are not patrolling. Each officer in training means one less officer patrolling the streets. Therefore, a balance is required, but a good manager should take advantage of additional police training when financially possible.