The Shortcomings Of Police Training In The United States Compared To Other Nations

When we examine law enforcement practices around the world, one noticeable and critical difference is the disparity in police training standards.

In particular, the United States stands out for having one of the shortest police education and training periods in the world, with much lower entry standards compared to countries such as Sweden, Germany, Spain, Norway, Netherlands, France, UK, and other nations.

This gap in training and education have profound implications on the quality of policing, the safety of officers and the public, and overall community trust in law enforcement.

When the “Institute for Criminal Justice Training Reform" examined more than 100 countries about the requirements for becoming a police officer, they saw that the United States had among the lowest requirements in the world by far. In 2020, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Papua New Guinea had lower standard.

The United States: Minimal Training And High Risk

In the U.S., it is very easy to become a police officer. The pathway to becoming a police officer is relatively short and can vary significantly between states, counties, and municipalities.

On average, American recruits undergo just 19 weeks of (bad) training, which is often less than five months.

This is far shorter than the training period in most countries and reflects a system that prioritizes efficiency and cost-cutting over in-depth education.

The basic curriculum in most U.S. police academies tends to focus heavily on physical fitness, firearms training, and law enforcement techniques, while areas like knowing basic laws, the Constitution, mental health awareness, cultural competency, de-escalation tactics, and community-oriented policing receive less emphasis.

This brief and intense training model often leaves recruits with little preparation for the psychological, social, and emotional challenges they will face on the job.

Moreover, most police officers in the U.S. doesn't know the five elements to the first amendment, the forth amendment, and ID-laws, or trespassing laws, especially on public properties, and are, more often than not, violating people's right without knowing it because of their lack of training.

In other democratic countries, a very high percentage of our American police officers would not be qualified to even be considered to get the police education to become a police officer.

People that are violent, arrogant, ignorant, and doesn't have any emotional intelligence, and with no communication skills doesn't have a place in other countries police educations.

Civil Rights Violations

Police often get a way with civil rights violations because they often have no idea that they violated someone's right and a lot of people doesn't know it either. They just obey. In other countries, the police are very educated and obligated to protect citizens' rights.

The policing in America is also much more violent, and the police often seek for a confrontation, even with law abiding people. That is unique and nearly doesn't exist in other democratic countries.

Law enforcement agencies often emphasize a “warrior" mindset, which encourages officers to view civilians as threats rather than partners in community safety. This mentality, coupled with militarized equipment and training, has led to confrontational policing practices that quickly spiral into violence.

The lack of accountability and oversight for police actions perpetuate a culture of aggression. Officers who engage in misconduct are frequently not held responsible for their actions, which undermines public trust and confidence in law enforcement. In what other profession can you bully the one's who pays your salary without getting fired?

Sweden: Comprehensive Training For Community Policing

In stark contrast, Sweden places a strong emphasis on comprehensive police education. Becoming a police officer in Sweden requires a three-year university degree, which includes a combination of classroom education and practical training. The different tests for getting in to the university is very hard.

You need to pass tough physical tests and have high scores on the police aptitude test to get into the Police Academy

Swedish recruits study criminal law, psychology, conflict resolution, ethics, and policing techniques. The training also includes in-depth work experience with police agencies, allowing recruits to learn firsthand about community-oriented policing.

Sweden’s approach focuses on the development of a well-rounded individual capable of understanding and engaging with the community in ways that foster trust and cooperation. Swedish police are often seen as facilitators of public safety rather than enforcers of authority.

The education model emphasizes empathy, emotional intelligence, and communication skills - traits that are increasingly vital in today's policing environments, especially when dealing with marginalized groups or mentally ill individuals.

Germany: Rigorous Training And High Expectations

Germany also places a much higher standard on police education. Becoming a police officer in Germany involves a more rigorous process that combines academic and practical training.

Police candidates must undergo a three-year training program, which includes an initial period of classroom instruction, followed by internships and practical assignments with police units.

The training covers a wide range of topics, including criminal law, psychology, conflict management, and emergency response.

The focus is not just on how to handle a weapon but on understanding human behavior and society as a whole.

Germany’s model of police education also places great importance on the relationship between law enforcement and the community.

Police officers are expected to act as problem solvers and maintain public trust through effective communication, transparency, and adherence to democratic principles.

This education prepares officers for a more holistic approach to policing, which is reflected in the country's generally low levels of police violence and a high degree of public confidence in law enforcement.

France, The UK, And Other European Nations

Other European countries such as France and the United Kingdom also have considerably higher police training standards than the U.S.

In the UK, for instance, police recruits undergo a minimum of two years of training, which includes academic study, practical work experience, and a focus on public engagement.

France also demands rigorous training, including a specialized academic curriculum, internships, and a focus on democratic policing principles.

The underlying theme in these countries is that police officers are expected not only to maintain law and order but to do so in ways that ensure public safety while protecting citizens' rights.

This stands in sharp contrast to the U.S. model, where the emphasis is often on law enforcement techniques, authority, and physical confrontation.

The Consequences Of Shortened Training in the U.S.

The consequences of low entry qualifications and the short police training period in the U.S. can be seen in various facets of law enforcement. First, there is a higher likelihood of police misconduct and use of excessive force.

American police officers, who receive less training in de-escalation techniques and cultural sensitivity, are more likely to resort to force when confronted with challenging situations.

The instances of police violence, particularly against minority communities, are among the most glaring examples of how insufficient training can result in tragic consequences.

Second, the lack of comprehensive training leads to a diminished ability to handle complex social issues like mental illness, substance abuse, and homelessness.

In the U.S., police are often called upon to respond to these issues, yet without the necessary training, they may inadvertently escalate situations that could otherwise be addressed through social services or mental health professionals.

Lastly, the low entry standards for becoming a police officer in the U.S. is resulting in an underqualified force. A lack of formal education, combined with inadequate training, can undermine the professionalism and credibility of the police, reducing public trust and cooperation.

The Need For Reform

The United States lags behind other nations in terms of police education and training, and this gap has significant consequences for both law enforcement and the communities they serve.

While countries like Sweden and Germany have recognized the importance of thorough, well-rounded police education, the U.S. continues to prioritize short, cost-effective training programs.

If the U.S. hopes to address issues like police misconduct, racial injustice, and public distrust, it will need to invest in reforming police education and training standards.

By focusing on comprehensive education, community engagement, and the development of critical soft skills, law enforcement agencies can better serve their communities and build trust in the system.