Implications of a Field-Based Police Leadership Development Programme

Abstract

Abstract Evolving demands of the global police community to provide authentic, impactful leadership education and training programmes remain unabated. At the centre of this article is the evaluation of the impact of a unique simulation-based learning for leadership development for police officers. A mixed-method approach including field-based interviews 6 months post programme participation was applied to capture the officers’ perspective of their experience and the potential short- and long-term implications. The evaluation included the officers’ supervisors providing an important contribution in understanding the perception of the influence of the programme on the officers’ development and contribution to their professional practice. The key learning initiative discussed in the article is the influence of the unique mobile simulation-based learning approach for transfer of leadership learning to application in the field. The findings indicate that the learning experience is influential in supporting the development of the officers’ leadership capability and application in their operational duties and their approach to leadership and decision-making beyond the professional to their personal lives. Furthermore, the programme content and delivery design offer an efficient and effective leadership development strategy that is realizing tangible benefits for the officers, the organization, and the community they serve.