Essential Curricular Components for Success in Initial Police Education
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22335/rlct.v17i1.1957Keywords:
Curriculum; police; training; education; ColombiaAbstract
Police officers face complex challenges highlighting the need for initial training to prepare them to perform optimally. Therefore, this research titled "Essential Curricular Components for Success in Initial Police Education" aims to construct the curriculum components that guide the design of academic programs for the initial training of the National Police of Colombia. A mixed-methods study with a descriptive scope was conducted to contribute to the curriculum design of academic programs for the initial training of the National Police of Colombia. Three questionnaires were administered to 1,569 participants, including candidates, commanders, and trainers. Additionally, a systematic literature review was conducted, considering empirical articles published between 2018 and 2023. Findings indicated that initial training in police education often prioritizes traditional content, such as police norms and procedures. Practical and student-centered teaching and learning methodologies have proven advantageous, and trainers require training processes that adapt to their demands. The importance of balancing the curriculum to incorporate "non-traditional" content and strengthening the connection between academia and professional work is discussed. This is crucial to promoting comprehensive, evidence-based police performance that provides new police officers with sufficient tools to face the challenges of their roles.
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