The theory of andragogy applied to police training

Abstract

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.