In the policing profession some agencies have FTOs (Field Training Officers) or PTOs (Police Training Officers) for officers who have just graduated from the academy. The job of the FTO / PTO should be to train, coach and mentor the new officers to help them assimilate into the organization, learn how to apply the theory from the academy to the real world of policing and prepare them to be able to function as a solo officer. I say this “should” be the job of the FTO / PTO because that is not always the case. Not everyone is intentional and deliberate about selecting, training and continually … [Read more...]

It is easy to become overwhelmed with the constant demands to change, improve and “reform” police training and the vast amount of information and research available on the most effective methods and philosophies for training, teaching, and coaching. In the face of all that it is challenging to decide where to start, and as a result we sometimes just do nothing and leave things as there are.  There are two quotes I share with trainers in my Excellence in Training workshops and courses that I believe may be helpful. The first is from Maya Angelou and it is, “Do the best you can until you know … [Read more...]

During control tactics (defensive tactics) training are your people training with full duty belt, boots, and body armor? If not, you may be unintentionally setting them up for failure on the street.  I know the argument some trainers make for not doing training with all their gear is that training with boots and duty belts damages the mats, mats are expensive, and you cannot afford to be continually replacing mats. I understand that. So, find a way to cover and protect your mats to allow you to train properly. We had the same concerns in our training unit with the Calgary Police Service. … [Read more...]

Last week’s post, “Step away from dogma and focus on evidence informed principles.”, addressed the dogmatic arguments regarding “the best” pedagogical / teaching model or philosophy for training police professionals. This week I am going to address another area where dogma potentially gets in the way of effective police training and that is around the question, “What is the best system of control tactics or martial arts for police officers?”  The debates over “the best” system of control tactics or “the best” style of martial arts for police officers will likely go on forever. My … [Read more...]

As we seek to advance and improve the policing profession one question that continues to surface is, “What pedagogical model, or theory of teaching, coaching and learning is most effective for police training?”   In a recent interview for The Excellence in Training Academy with Chris Cushion PhD. we discussed the range of pedagogical models and coaching philosophies trainers can utilize to conduct effective training for police officers. Chris is a Professor of Coaching & Pedagogy and a Coach Educator at Loughborough University School of Sports Exercise and Health … [Read more...]