Who Will Train Police?

Osmany Salas

Crime was not far from the minds of senators during today’s budget debate. Indeed, much was proposed, including focusing on social reform and reining in both the police and the would-be gangsters. But the police department, according to N.G.O. Senator Osmany Salas, needs more sophisticated training to confront modern challenges.

Osmany Salas, N.G.O. Senator

“At the very least, as suggested in the Gayle Report, training for new entrants should include, and I quote, basic fitness training, first aid, officer safety, detection of danger and body reading, community policing – you have to be trained to be effective at community policing; just calling it that does not make it community policing. Crime legislation, social work, research skills, sociology, psychology – did I say social work – equivalent to at least a certificate. With physical and firearms training [added] to these basic courses it should take at least nine months, is the recommendation. Each recruit would have to pass a psycho-metric evaluation, and their level of examination police ought to have continuous training. This must be compulsory and shall be used as part of an officer’s assessment for promotion. This can be in the area of intelligent and more efficient methods of policing.”