It All Comes Down to Preparation – A study of the Perceived Outcomes of Norwegian Police Tactics and Maintenance Training

Abstract

This qualitative study focuses on the participant’s perception of Norwegian police tactics and maintenance training (IP4 training). The aim was to investigate to what extent there was a relationship between training participation and perceived levels of learning and utility. The study reports on data collected from six focus-group interviews with 31 exercise participants (N=31). The participants were all Norwegian police officers taking part in an advanced emergency response (IP3) qualifying training course during the fall of 2019. Key findings indicated that the participants experienced perceived learning and utility but that the outcomes were not deemed optimal. This study shows that a greater focus on variation and constructive alignment during training may improve perceived learning and utility levels. Further, we see a value in suggesting an increase in the amount of yearly training. More training would contribute to better maintenance of basic knowledge, which again could allow the instructors to focus more on progressive development and learning.