The Effectiveness of Training on Precursor Behaviours Leading to Excessive Use of Police Force

The Effectiveness of Training in Controlling Precursor Behaviours Leading to Excessive Use of Police Force

Abstract

The investigation evaluates the effectiveness of training for police officers in controlling behaviours that lead to the excessive use of force in the conduct of their work . The evaluation study will respond to the questions on whether training specific to excessive use of force helps decrease precursor behaviours to excessive use of force and on whether the behavioural effects of training are sustainable . The research will employ quasi-experiment with two groups of 30 patrol

officers each , from two police departments in similar communities selected through stratified sampling , comprising the experimental and control group . The quasi-experiment involves a pre-test , training , and post-test using a self-report questionnaire . Data will be analysed using descriptive statistics and t-test to determine effectiveness based on the results for the two groups and the results for the experimental group in the post-test administered 2 , 4 , 6 and 8 weeks from the training

Keywords : excessive use of force , precursor behaviours , training

Introduction

Problem

The use of excessive force by police officers is a serious issue Complaints on the use of excessive force and resolutions of these complaints reflect on the professionalism and accountability of law enforcement . The issue touches civil and political rights to bear down at the core of democracy . The issue of use of excessive force intensified with complaints being lodged against police officers in different parts of Australia (Kleim , 2006 Australian Associated Press 2009 ) and court decisions finding excessive...