Police Training Practices in Ghana: An Empirical Analysis

This study was carried out to do an empirical analysis of police training practices in the Ghana Police Service taking the National Police Training School, Accra and the Winneba Police Command and Staff College, Winneba into perspective. The study aimed at finding out the demographic characteristics of police officers and trainees, the academic qualification (s) of police officers, the criteria for police recruitment, the criteria for training of police officers, the duration of the training programme and the motivational factors for one to pursue career in law enforcement. The study employed the mixed methods by using both quantitative and qualitative approaches in getting the relevant data to satisfy the purpose and objectives of the study. Sampling methods used were purposive and simple random sampling methods. In-depth interviews were also conducted to elicit qualitative data. The study revealed that males are more than females in the Ghana Police Service. In addition, the study revealed that the Akan and Ewe dominated the Ghana Police. Notwithstanding, most of these police trainees were unmarried. The study further revealed that majority of the respondents were Senior High School Certificate holders and they did not have any relatives as police officers before they entered into police service. This implies that Senior High School graduates are employed more than any other category in the Ghana Police Service. The study further shown that the police service has a general and standard criterion for recruiting personnel into the service. The Ghana Police Service follows these criteria religiously before a prospective applicant is recruited into the service. It is concluded that the criteria for police training takes the form of Physical Training (PT), drill, classroom work, weapon training, parade, defensive tactics training, oral training, firearms range, scenario training, driving skills, equipment training, mental training, visiting, preps, and an examination. It can be concluded that majority of the respondents were of the view that the motivational factor for entering into the police service was because of the salary structure and also getting the opportunity to help people in their community. Keywords: Training, Training Practices, Trainees, Trainers, Recruit, Police Officer DOI: 10.7176/IKM/9-3-06 Publication date:March 31st 201