Extended Training and Police Performance: Insights from a Police University Study with EEG Analysis

• In Event: Police Training II

Abstract

Negative outcomes in policing have highlighted the need for change in police training. Much scrutiny has been aimed at the length of police training, arguing that police academies fail in preparing law enforcement adequately. However, empirical data on the benefits of prolonged training is scarce. This study aims to assess police performance in a 4-year police university setting. 59 police cadets participated in a video simulation specifically designed to gauge situational performance in policing. Additionally, participants were fitted with electroencephalogram (EEG) technology to collect brain responses during simulations. Afterwards, interviews were conducted, evaluating cadets on performance throughout the simulation. Initial analysis revealed significant differences in overall performance and self-reported stress between cohorts. Multivariate analysis indicated strong relationships between training duration/self-reported stress and overall performance. EEG analysis shows differences in theta-band activity in the frontal-lobe; associated with problem-solving & judgement. Findings show significantly favorable results for those with more training time across all performance metrics. This study addresses gaps in literature between training duration and favorable police performance, as well as serving as first of its kind in its use of EEG analysis in a police university setting. There are strong implications in favor of longer training programs for law enforcement.

Authors

• Nasser AlSabah, John Jay College of Criminal Justice / CUNY Graduate Center

• Abdulwahab AlAsfour, Kuwait University

• Paula Di Nota, Inspectorate of Policing, Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General