Assessment of training practices in the Ghana police

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess the training practices in the Ghana Police Service at the National Police Training School, Accra and the Winneba Police Command and Staff College, Winneba. It examines the curriculum, scope of training and pedagogical practices employed by police trainers in Ghana, how well the trainees apply their training to Police work, the challenges the training academies face and feasible measures to address these challenges. Methodologically, 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 current 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 police curriculum is categorized under Police Science, Legal Studies, Social Science, Communication Skills and Information Technology and Basic Officer Skills. In addition, it has been deduced that Senior High School Certificate holders are mostly recruited as trainees in the Ghana Police Service with six (6) months basic training with English Language as the medium of instruction. Classroom instruction was the popular method of teaching. The study concluded that the police apply their training to police work professionally by being proactive in fighting crime. The study, however, found out that police training academies in Ghana lack proper equipment, logistics and training materials. In view of this,it is recommended that the government, in collaboration with other stakeholders in the Police Service, must help to provide good training facilities, infrastructure and funds to support quality training delivery.