Publication Date

2002

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Ilsley, Paul J.

Degree Name

Ed.D. (Doctor of Education)

Legacy Department

Department of Counseling, Adult and Higher Education

LCSH

Police training--Illinois--Chicago--Case studies; Police--Illinois--Chicago--Education (Continuing education)--Case studies

Abstract

This case study was undertaken to develop an understanding for the consequences of training in the Chicago Police Department (CPD), the effects those consequences have on its officers, and the ramifications of those effects on police professionalism. Experienced Chicago police officers, considered content experts, were interviewed and the data compared to the available literature and the personal experience of this researcher. Five themes emerged from the study that reflected the concern and importance the officers' place in the relationship of training outcomes to the training itself. First, the participants identified stakeholders who possessed a measure of ownership in or were somehow affected by the outcomes of training. These stakeholders include, (a) police officers, (b) police administrators, (c) Illinois Law Enforcement Standards and Training Board, (d) public groups, (e) politicians, and (f) educational institutions. The second theme to develop was the control of power and change in the organization. The implications for each are discussed. The third theme identified was professionalism, the suppression of professionalism, and the need for continuing professional development. The fourth theme to arise was criminal/social justice education being recognized as the key to professionalism and the need for its intervention in police training. Finally, the training itself was identified and discussed in terms of credibility and relevance. This study establishes that training outcomes are critical to long-term organizational and individual successes but those outcomes are not normally considered in the construction of police training. The failure to identify the need to link outcomes to training affects the general perception of police professionalism and, by extension, the actualization of professionalism as well. Therefore, policing would be wise to adapt methods and theory from continuing professional education and adult continuing education in order to (a) create a professional police practice, (b) create a learning organization and culture, (c) create a self determined literature base, and (d) develop training which utilizes standards for competent personal performance. Included in this study are recommendations for future police training, a system of police training, and suggestions for the professionalization of police training and policing.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references (pages [152]-158)

Extent

x, 163 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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