Official Review: Training Law Enforcement Officers

[Renu G]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Training Law Enforcement Officers" by Rick Giovengo.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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The title captured my attention, but I was hesitant to select the book since I have nothing to do with law enforcement. Finally, I made a choice and have no regrets after reading it. Training Law Enforcement Officers has exceeded my expectations, and I am pleased to award it 4 out of 4 stars. Rick D. Giovengo is a human performance consultant who has authored this book after several years of work experience as well as academic research. Through this endeavor, he brings a paradigm shift in training from interdisciplinary perspectives.

The compendium addresses a broad range of topics: the brain, life in the academy, ethics, training of staff, curriculum development, tests, performance, field training, distance training, high-risk training, learning management system, etc. While Giovengo writes from an officer’s perspective, I am reviewing it from a civilian standpoint. I have been researching the formation of adults in other professions and was apprehensive that this book might propose military tactics. However, the author cleared my doubts.

He rightly states that longer training is not equal to better training. Academic learning may lead one nowhere, but performance training must be focused on its application. A creative instructor keeps trainees motivated throughout the program and helps them to perform under pressure without being stressed out. This is my favorite part of the manual.

Giovengo explicates the topic holistically. With his clarity of thought, he is one step ahead of other experts in this field. However, I could not see any overarching theme. What is the hermeneutical key or lens he uses to formulate the training program? Is it possible to state it in one word? What is the trainee expected to become at the end of the training? (a disciplined officer or an efficient manager, etc.) I think the training proposed in this reference book emphasizes “doing” instead of “being.” There are only brief remarks about the officer’s personality development or behavior towards civilians as well as criminals. Maybe, the author could write another book on this topic.

Overall, Training Law Enforcement Officers looks professionally designed and well edited, and I did not discover any errors. There is nothing that I disliked. The contents are suitable for people in other professions, and it includes an extensive bibliography for those who are interested in further exploring the topic. It is an excellent handbook, and I wholeheartedly recommend it for instructors and trainers in every field. Giobengo is a genius who deserves to share his knowledge and expertise in other circles. Psychologists, doctors, formators, professors, pastors, social workers, and managers will enjoy reading it and gain a lot from this work.

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Training Law Enforcement Officers
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Like Renu G's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Stephanie Elizabeth]

Great review! I think this would be a valuable read for anyone looking to get into law enforcement.

[Lepke]

Good review! I think it would a great information source if anyone looking to become a law enforcement officer

[Meg98]

Very well written review. I am also not in the law-enforcement world, but your review has intrigued me. It sounds like it would be especially beneficial for individuals in that world, but also quite insightful for those that are not. I will be checking this one out! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Cheers:)

[Rachel Lea]

This manual sounds useful, accessible, and well-written. I know very little about the inner workings of law enforcement and the training involved so this book would be very informative for me. Thanks for your review!

[Washboard]

I think the training proposed in this reference book emphasizes “doing” instead of “being.” There are only brief remarks about the officer’s personality development or behavior towards civilians as well as criminals. Maybe, the author could write another book on this topic.

This is what I would have been most interested in reading about, honestly. Thank you for pointing out that the author does not cover this subject. You saved me some serious disappointment! Great review!

[kandscreeley]

I'm glad that this can be applied to other professions, as that helps it appeal to a wider range of people. Perhaps, though, the title should then be changed? I'm glad this one was useful for you, but I don't think it's one I need right now. Thanks, though.

[Ahmad Damanhuri]

Not bad explanation, but there are few who, in my opinion, need to be added, law enforcement is not only a good aspect and practice, but how can law enforcement give a sense of justice.