The Scottish Police College has won a National Training Award for its new Probationer Training Programme. The award was presented to Assistant Chief Constable John Geates, the College Director, at a ceremony in London on 13th December 2007. The accolade was the result of an extensive validation process which involved workshops, a written presentation, tutor feedback and judges inspection.
The training is a complete divergence from traditional methods and on successful completion students are awarded a Certificate of Higher Education in Policing from University of Stirling who have accredited the programme. This ensures that this specialist training addresses the needs of the Scottish public and police service and is supported by a process of educational evolution.
The probationer training course has been designed to introduce innovative methods of delivery which are responsive to the learning needs of students. This includes utilising professional actors to role play real life incidents and allows for the students’ interpersonal and cognitive behaviours to be assessed. The judges particularly commented on these innovative assessment methods concluding that the culture change from this initiative is ‘inspirational and an exemplar’.
A purpose built skills development area has been designed to allow for experiential learning in a safe environment and allow for the development of personal confidence. In order to mirror real life operational situations and equip the student to deal with community policing, a street has been built with pubs, shops, houses and a bank. Students carry out a series of role play exercises where they learn how to deal with such situations as bank robberies, domestic abuse and disturbances in licensed premises.
The course is split into distinct stages and takes two years to complete. Initially all probationers attend a 15 week residential course at the Scottish Police College. This intensive introduction covers all aspects of policing and is centred upon partnership working, team problem solving and community interaction. All lessons are facilitative with student’s pre reading the material then attending classes to present findings and discuss concepts in syndicate groups. After one year the student’s return to the college for a two week period when individual learning needs are addressed and final assessments are undertaken.
John Geates said “I am absolutely delighted that the College has won such a prestigious and meaningful award. It recognises our endeavours to replace previous traditional training methods with new and innovative systems which not only enhance learning and development but maintain and improve on the standards the Scottish public rightly expect from their police officers. This award is equally shared by all the staff that together makes the Scottish Police College a wonderful place to work and learn”.
|
