The Need for More Comprehensive Training of Police Officers

In his article "Lack of Skills Leads to Violence", James J. Fyfe states that with "training...more comparable to that provided social workers, schoolteachers, psychologists and lawyers", police would become more adept at preventing violence. I believe this to be true, yet I think that many police departments confuse quantity with quality, and divert funding to the wrong places in an effort to better themselves. Training needs to be at the forefront of any reform. A police force that is educated and experienced, with knowledge of the community will be much more successful at preventing violence.

Most would agree that departments need more funding. However, there are discrepancies regarding where to place these funds. "Police managers...have learned that random motorized patrolling neither reduces crime nor improves the chances of catching suspects." (Fyfe, 251) It has also been shown that even mass motorized and foot patrol only temporarily reduces crime rates, and usually will displace it to another area. (Fyfe, 251) Cutting response time has also proven ineffective. Another statistic shows that having more officers covering an area will not make that area safer. (Fyfe, 251) Buying newer cars and computers can have its place in a budget, and serves its purpose, but good training cannot be pushed aside. There is no use in arriving at a scene quickly and efficiently if an officer does not have the knowledge to skillfully handle a situation. Officers need to be trained in more than the basic functions of a peacekeeper. They need to be able to relate to and understand the situations that they are faced with.

The training that officers receive should include a well-rounded education. As Fyfe points out (Fyfe art...

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...y been an explosion of young people, foreigners, and people who simply subscribe to a lifestyle completely different from what a traditional American was considered to be. Policing has come a long way. As Fyfe points out, extralegal violence has become almost completely eradicated. (Fyfe article) This shows that departments have accepted the huge array of different lifestyle. Yet, the existence of violence due to misunderstanding shows that they do not yet understand it. With enough education, including the education of citizens, there can be an understanding produced that will alleviate many of the situations which now arise from miscommunication between the police and citizens.

Works Cited

Fyfe, James J. "Lack of Skills Leads to Violence" L.A. Times Newspaper 1989

Skolnick, Jerome H., and James J. Fyfe. Above The Law. New York: The Free Press 1993