This strategy more effectively allows trainees to practice decision-making skills when a need to intervene arises. They should be videotaped and played back in class for further discussion and analysis. This scenario training should be provided, not only for recruits, but also on a periodic basis for experienced officers during in-service training. Law enforcement management must take an articulate and public stand on the principle that its employees have an affirmative responsibility to protect the civil rights of the public. As this type of training is provided throughout entire departments, and it is combined with clear statements from management on the issue, the increased corporate awareness of the topic tends to lower the likelihood that such incidents are ever initiated.
Officers enjoy the scenario training.
Although they may be intimidated by it initially, they quickly adapt to the setting, and rapidly pick up the interpersonal skills and techniques, both from having their own behavior reviewed and from watching their peers perform. The trainers must be skilled in what they are doing. They have to be able to control the training situation, play the roles, and provide an effective critique of the trainees performance immediately after it has occurred. Being knowledgeable in legal issues and skilled in law enforcement techniques are not enough. Nor is it a requirement, however, that role-play trainers be professional actors.