The Nation - News from Feb. 9, 1987

Field training programs for police recruits can reduce the number of suits against law enforcement agencies, a new report said. The study, prepared for the Justice Department’s National Institute of Justice, found that 105 of 288 police departments surveyed did not have field training programs. However, of the 183 agencies that did have field training, 30%, or 54 departments, reported fewer civil liability complaints as a result of the programs. In field training, recruits who complete classes perform all the functions of a patrolman while experienced officers monitor them. Remedial training can be given for unsatisfactory performance.