The theory of andragogy applied to police training

Police-training is an important tool in the process of facilitating change within police organizations. With the further implementation of community-oriented policing strategies in US police agencies, training becomes a critical centerpiece. Traditionally, the majority of subjects in the police-training environment have been taught utilizing behavioral approaches which may not be effective when teaching an evolving police curriculum which has been implemented under the axiom of community-policing. Trainers have also relied heavily on teacher-centered approaches when teaching both neophyte and veteran police. Authorities who train police might benefit from a more student-centered instructional format. This manuscript examines incorporating the theory of andragogy into police-training and identifies particular characteristics about the learning transaction in the police-training classroom. Given the theory-to-practice gap that haunts police-training authorities, andragogy holds much promise in closing this gap.