By Chief Bryant Jackson, Ed.D.
Sir Francis Bacon is credited with the phrase “knowledge is power.” The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines knowledge as “the fact or condition of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience or association,” and power as “the ability to act or produce an effect.” It could be argued that the more knowledge a police officer possesses, the greater their capacity to act or protect the public.
The modern police officer is expected to master a wide range of tasks and skills. To acquire the knowledge needed for proficiency in these areas, an officer needs more than just one exposure to the relevant skills or theories. This indicates that continuous education is crucial for an officer’s effectiveness in public protection. Although Police Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) boards or commissions mandate ongoing education to maintain an officer’s certification or license, the importance of continued education goes beyond merely fulfilling a requirement for employment in law enforcement.
The chief law enforcement officer of any agency bears the responsibility of ensuring that the officers in their department are adequately trained and equipped to perform their duties. Although mandatory and refresher training sessions are well-known and essential, it is important to go beyond merely fulfilling these requirements. We must explore ways to cultivate an environment in which our officers are motivated to become self-directed learners.
What is self-directed learning?
Self-directed learning, in its simplest form, is defined as a process where you intentionally seek out learning, plan your learning journey, take responsibility for it, control your learning process and evaluate the outcomes. [1]
According to this definition, the learner is at the heart of the educational process, taking charge of what and how they learn. While self-directed learning does not entirely eliminate the role of teachers or instructors, it significantly shifts much of the responsibility away from them. Adult and continuing education researcher Dr. Thomas Howard Morris notes, “Self-directed learning is a critical competence that enables adults to adapt effectively to the fluid and complex changes in their social contexts.” [2]
Self-directed learning is not solely an individual concept but can also apply to a group setting. [3] A group of learners can collaboratively identify an educational need, pursue the necessary learning, and assess whether the knowledge gained effectively addresses the issue at hand. [3] The objective for individuals within this framework is to acquire specific knowledge rather than achieving a broad mastery of an entire subject. In certain cases, these learning events may be short and focused.
A police officer embodies the essence of a lifelong learner. Officers with a genuine desire to serve their community to the best of their ability will adopt a self-directed learning approach, grounded in their own experiential learning. Such officers develop specific interests in various law enforcement topics, fields, and laws. This keen interest motivates them to take the initiative in their advanced learning, aiming to better serve the public. Encouraging and rewarding this behavior within the public safety sector is crucial. It demonstrates the officer’s commitment to their profession and their proactive role in ensuring not only their own success but also the success of their team.
Suggested actions may include seeking out advanced training or courses, reading books related to law enforcement topics of interest, reading case law, and learning new tactics or techniques. Identify something you are interested in and develop a plan to learn more about that topic.
Technology-focused training
As technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), continues to advance rapidly and integrate into numerous aspects of daily life and various industries, its role in law enforcement has become a pressing question. Modern law enforcement officers are expected to utilize all available resources to solve crimes and apprehend offenders.
The implementation of AI, when done correctly, could be regarded as a benefit for public safety and potentially enhance community relations. [4] Consequently, it is imperative for today’s police officers to constantly review and assess technological advancements to stay informed about the resources at their disposal. Given the swift pace of technological progress, self-directed learning is not only ideal but almost essential. This approach is particularly relevant because formal training on AI and other tech-based law enforcement tools is still emerging and rare, making self-guided exploration and learning critical for staying abreast of these developments.
Criminals are increasingly utilizing technology in innovative and unexpected ways. To keep abreast of these new criminal techniques and methods, law enforcement must actively pursue additional training focused on these trends. Often, criminals are advancing their use of technology faster than law enforcement’s ability to understand and counteract these methods. Today, it’s difficult to conceive of a crime that doesn’t involve some form of technology, even if it’s just a cell phone in the criminal’s pocket. Modern law enforcement officers are thus compelled to diligently keep up with new technological investigative techniques. Officers who adopt a self-directed learning approach proactively seek out information to ensure they can conduct thorough investigations, adapting to the evolving landscape of crime facilitated by technology.
Action items
To stay current with the integration of AI and technology in law enforcement, officers can take several proactive steps. These include seeking additional training on AI specifically tailored to public safety or security, participating in short courses or webinars focused on AI applications in these areas, and engaging with peer-reviewed articles that delve into AI advancements.
Watching webinars or engaging in short courses that introduce new technology-based criminal investigative techniques offers valuable insights. Moreover, exploring case studies or reports on how other agencies have successfully implemented AI into their operational environment and investigations can provide practical examples and inspiration for effective AI utilization. These actions collectively enhance an officer’s capability to adapt to and leverage technology in fighting crime, underscoring the importance of self-directed learning in law enforcement’s evolving landscape.
Mental health and wellness training
Continuous learning for police officers must go beyond just physical and technical skills to include mental health and wellness, areas that should be vigorously promoted for self-directed learning. The demanding nature of law enforcement, characterized by high levels of stress and conflict, necessitates effective management of these pressures to avoid role-conflict situations. [5]
Wellness programs initiated by officers themselves are more likely to be successful, as they cater to the specific needs and preferences of their peers. Therefore, supporting officers in their self-directed journey towards mental health wellness is crucial, given the highly personalized nature of this endeavor. Programs designed to foster synergies between family and work contexts can invigorate police professionals by equipping them with essential skills to prevent emotional exhaustion and navigate the challenges of a high-risk work environment. [5] This approach underscores the importance of a holistic view of officer training and development, where mental health is as critical as physical and technical proficiency.
Action items
To promote mental health and wellness among law enforcement officers, several proactive steps can be taken.
Officers can start by setting personal health and wellness goals and researching strategies to achieve them. Departments could develop a health and wellness campaign or training program tailored to their specific needs, incorporating feedback from officers to ensure relevance and effectiveness. Looking into how health and wellness are managed in other professional fields can offer innovative ideas and practices that could be adapted for law enforcement.
Additionally, seeking out further education on this topic through training sessions, conferences, or courses can provide officers with the knowledge and tools necessary to maintain their mental and physical well-being. These actions not only contribute to the individual health of officers but also enhance the overall effectiveness of the department by ensuring that officers are mentally and physically prepared to meet the demands of their job.
Leadership training
As a law enforcement leader, it is critical that we recognize that training and knowledge development occur in many shapes and forms, not just during in-service training and/or department-sponsored training. When was the last time you asked an officer what steps they have taken to promote their own learning or gain new knowledge? Our law enforcement officers are seeking additional knowledge and learning daily. How can you continue to encourage and reward this behavior?
As leaders in law enforcement who value self-directed learning, it’s imperative to continue our own journey in leadership development. Delving into topics such as transformative leadership and ethical decision-making is essential to ensure we exemplify these practices within our department and to the communities we serve. By embodying the principles of transformational leadership, we aim to craft and communicate a compelling vision for the future, inspire and motivate others to commit to this vision, foster an environment of growth and exploration, and cultivate enduring relationships both within our department and with the broader community. This leadership approach not only enhances our effectiveness as leaders but also elevates the entire department, promoting a culture of continuous improvement, ethical conduct, and mutual respect. Through such leadership, we set a standard for excellence, encourage personal and professional development among our ranks, and strengthen the trust and collaboration that are fundamental to our mission of public service.
High-profile law enforcement actions have sparked widespread debate regarding the ethical conduct of law enforcement officers. [6] Officers are equipped with various tools, policies, procedures and guiding case law to support their decision-making — a process that often unfolds within mere seconds. Dempsey, Eskander, et al. emphasize, “The ability of police officers to employ moral decision-making in navigating the grey areas of law enforcement, as well as the complex life-and-death situations they may face, is crucial to their preparedness, wellness, and performance in their duties.” [6] Therefore, current and aspiring law enforcement leaders need to be proactive in their learning about ethics and leadership.
Ethical decision-making and leadership are not static; they require ongoing reflection, learning and progression. Such continuous dedication to ethical excellence and leadership development not only prepares leaders to guide their teams effectively but also fosters a culture of integrity and accountability within the force, crucial for building trust within the community they serve.
Action items
To enhance ethical decision-making and leadership skills in law enforcement, several practical actions can be undertaken.
Study the behaviors and decisions of leaders you admire. Analyze how they have handled ethical dilemmas and leadership challenges. Learning from their experiences can offer valuable insights into effective ethical leadership practices.
Enroll in reputable leadership programs, such as the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command or the FBI National Academy. These courses are specifically designed to equip law enforcement officers with advanced leadership skills and a deeper understanding of ethical decision-making.
Participate in round-table discussions with other law enforcement leaders. Such forums allow for the exchange of ideas, strategies, and experiences related to ethical leadership and decision-making in law enforcement.
Dedicate time to reading books on leadership. Focus on those that address ethical leadership, decision-making, and the challenges specific to law enforcement. This can broaden your perspective and provide you with new tools and concepts to apply in your role.
Study after-action reviews of high-profile law enforcement incidents. These reviews often contain critical lessons on decision-making, leadership, and the ethical considerations that were at play. Understanding these scenarios can improve your ability to navigate complex situations in your own work.
By actively pursuing these suggested actions, law enforcement leaders can significantly enhance their ethical leadership capabilities, ensuring they are better prepared to lead with integrity and navigate the complex challenges inherent in modern law enforcement.
Conclusion
Recognizing self-directed learning as an opportunity means valuing the efforts and dedication officers put into their profession. Encouraging officers to seek out further education and share their acquired knowledge with the team is crucial for fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration. Here are ways to support and promote this learning ethos within the department:
1. Financial support for courses: When officers find relevant courses that could benefit their roles, offering financial support, even if it incurs a cost to the department, demonstrates a commitment to their development. This investment can pay dividends in enhanced skills and knowledge across the team.
2. Sharing knowledge from formal education: Encourage officers pursuing college degrees to share insights and knowledge from their coursework with their squad or department. This not only recognizes the officer’s effort but also enriches the team with fresh perspectives and information.
3. Briefings on new learnings: Invite officers to brief the team on new case law or any other subject they’ve explored to satisfy their curiosity or solve specific problems. This practice not only validates the officer’s initiative in self-directed learning but also keeps the entire team updated on important developments.
Supporting these activities creates an environment where learning is valued, shared, and applied, making the department more adaptive, informed, and cohesive. Encouraging officers to engage in self-directed learning and to share their discoveries reinforces the idea that everyone in the department plays a vital role in its growth and success.
“Knowledge is power” indeed captures the essence of the role education and knowledge play in effective law enforcement. An educated and well-informed police officer is equipped to handle a wide array of service calls, steering situations towards positive outcomes more effectively. As leaders in law enforcement, it falls upon us to nurture and develop our officers, empowering them to serve and protect the community to the best of their abilities.
Encouraging continuous learning and development at every level of the organization is fundamental. It underscores the belief that the pursuit of knowledge and the refinement of skills are ongoing processes. By fostering an environment where learning is continuous, we not only enhance the capabilities of our officers but also reinforce the department’s commitment to excellence, adaptability, and service.
The journey of learning truly never ceases, and by embracing this ethos, we pave the way for a more responsive, ethical and effective law enforcement agency.
Scenarios: Self-directed learning in action
Share these scenarios during your next leadership training. Each scenario is designed to encourage the practical application of the discussed concepts, fostering a hands-on approach to learning and development in the context of law enforcement.
1. Implementing self-directed learning
Scenario: You’re interested in improving your digital investigation skills due to the increasing relevance of cybercrime. However, there are no scheduled departmental training sessions on this topic in the near future.
Action steps: Research online courses and webinars on digital forensics offered by accredited institutions. Set a goal to complete a specific course within three months and share your learnings with your team to encourage a culture of continuous learning.
2. Practicing ethical decision-making
Scenario: You’re faced with a high-pressure situation where the right course of action isn’t clear, and there’s potential for public scrutiny regardless of the outcome.
Action steps: Engage in role-playing exercises that simulate ethical dilemmas. Reflect on these scenarios in group discussions to explore different perspectives and decision-making frameworks. Document these experiences in a personal journal to track your thought processes and growth over time.
3. Staying updated with technological advancements
Scenario: Your department is considering the adoption of AI technology for predictive policing, but there’s limited understanding among the staff about how AI works and its implications.
Action steps: Form a study group with colleagues interested in technology. Together, attend online courses on AI applications in law enforcement, and invite experts for a Q&A session. Compile a report on potential uses and ethical considerations of AI in policing to present to your department.
4. Prioritizing mental health and wellness
Scenario: Noticing an increase in stress levels among your team, you want to address this issue proactively without waiting for official wellness programs to be implemented.
Action steps: Organize a peer support group within your department where officers can share experiences and coping strategies in a confidential setting. Collaborate with a mental health professional to facilitate workshops on stress management techniques specifically tailored for law enforcement officers.
5. Developing leadership skills
Scenario: As a newly promoted team leader, you recognize the need to enhance your leadership abilities to effectively manage and inspire your team, especially in adapting to new challenges.
Action steps: Enroll in a leadership development program focused on law enforcement leadership challenges. Implement a mentorship program within your team, pairing experienced officers with new recruits. Initiate regular team meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and innovative solutions, fostering an environment of open communication and mutual support.
References
1. Merriam SB, Bierema LL. Adult Learning – Linking Theory and Practice. Jossey-Bass; 2014.
2. Morris TH. Adaptivity through self-directed learning to meet the challenges of our ever-changing world. Adult Learning. 2019;30(2):56-66. doi:10.1177/1045159518814486
3. Wilcox S. Fostering self-directed learning in the university setting. Studies in Higher Education. 1996;21(2):165. doi:10.1080/03075079612331381338
4. Dempsey RP, Brunet JR, Dubljević V. Exploring and understanding law enforcement’s relationship with technology: A qualitative interview study of police officers in North Carolina. Applied Sciences. 2023;13(6):3887. doi:10.3390/app13063887
5. López-Cabarcos MA, López-Carballeira A, Ferro-Soto C. How to prevent hostile behaviors and emotional exhaustion among law enforcement professionals: The negative spiral of role conflict. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2023;20(1):863. doi:10.3390/ijerph20010863
6. Dempsey RP, Eskander EE, Dubljević V. Ethical decision-making in law enforcement: A scoping review. Psych. 2023;5(2):576. doi:10.3390/psych5020037
7. White RT. Caring for a “blue” population: Addressing priorities of the officer safety and wellness group in nurse practitioner practice. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing & Mental Health Services. 2023;61(10):13-18. doi:10.3928/02793695-20230424-05
About the author
Bryant Jackson, Ed.D. serves as the Chief of Police at the University of South Dakota. He graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Command Course cohort #4 and the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command. Prior to entering law enforcement, Dr. Jackson served in the US Marine Corps. He has completed an undergraduate degree in transportation and logistics management, a graduate degree in emergency and disaster management, and a Doctor of Education degree in adult and higher education leadership.