Abstract:

This study investigates the impact of training and development programs on the performance of the Guyana Police Force (GPF). “The Role of Training and Development in Fostering Performance in the Guyana Police Force”, authored by Suelle Findlay-Williams, the co-author of this article. The study was done utilising survey data drawn from 250 officers in the Guyana Police Force and integrating a cross-section of global research studies across law enforcement, military, corporate, and public service sectors. This paper examines how structured training affects police confidence, decision-making, and overall effectiveness. The results reveal a strong correlation between continuous training and improved professional outcomes, with 95% of officers reporting enhanced public interaction and 93% citing increased productivity. Key findings of this study emphasise the value of scenario-based training, mentorship, emotional regulation, and feedback mechanisms in law enforcement training design. The study concludes with recommendations to refine training delivery, enhance leadership development, and integrate international best practices.

References:

[1]. Andersen, J. P., Papazoglou, K., & Arnetz, B. B., 2016, Mental preparation and training of police officers: A narrative review. Police Practice and Research, vol. 17, no. 5, pp. 419–432.

[2]. Bandura, A., 1977, Social learning theory. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

[3]. Becker, G. S., 1993, Human capital: A theoretical and empirical analysis, with special reference to education (3rd ed.). Chicago: University of Chicago Press. DOI: 10.7208/chicago/9780226041223.001.0001.

[4]. Bennell, C., Jenkins, B., Blaskovits, B., Semple, T., Khanizadeh, A.-J., Brown, A. S., & Jones, N. J., 2022, Knowledge, skills, and abilities for managing potentially volatile police–public interactions: A narrative review. Police Practice and Research, vol. 23, no. 2, pp. 123–141. DOI: 10.1080/15614263.2021.2019394.

[5]. Beyer, J., 2023, Leadership development series: Understanding why police leaders succeed. Lexipol Media Group. Available at: https://www.police1.com [Accessed: 29 May 2025].

[6]. Blumberg, D. M., Schlosser, M. D., Papazoglou, K., Creighton, S., & Kaye, C. C., 2019, New directions in police academy training: A call to action. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 16, no. 24, article 4941. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16244941.

[7]. CIPD & Ulster University Business School, 2017, Human capital theory report. Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Available at: https://www.cipd.org/globalassets/media/knowledge/knowledge-hub/reports/human-capital-theory-assessing-the-evidence_tcm18-22292.pdf [Accessed: 29 May 2025].

[8]. Ford, J. K., & Kraiger, K., 1995, The application of cognitive constructs to the instructional systems model of training. Performance Improvement Quarterly, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 118–133.

[9]. Goldstein, I. L., & Ford, J. K., 2002, Training in organizations: Needs assessment, development, and evaluation (4th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

[10]. Griffith, D., & Peters, K., 2021, Enhancing procedural justice through police training in the Caribbean. Caribbean Journal of Criminology, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 88–105.

[11]. Holdaway, S., & O’Neill, M., 2006, Ethnicity, training and police practice in the UK. British Journal of Criminology, vol. 46, no. 4, pp. 690–708.

[12]. Leithwood, K., 2021, Review of evidence about equitable school leadership. Education Development Trust. Available at: https://www.educationdevelopmenttrust.com [Accessed: 29 May 2025].

[13]. Obi-Anike, H. O., & Ekwe, M. C., 2014, Impact of training and development on organisational effectiveness: Evidence from Nigeria. European Journal of Business and Management, vol. 6, no. 29, pp. 66–74.

[14]. O’Neill, C. A., Marks, M., & Nieuwoudt, M., 2019, Virtual reality simulation in police training: A study of learner experience and perceived learning effectiveness. Policing: An International Journal, vol. 42, no. 3, pp. 386–398.

[15]. Rivera, M., & Pérez, C., 2018, Community-based policing and training reform in Colombia. Policing & Society, vol. 28, no. 3, pp. 231–249.

[16]. Rodriguez, J., & Walters, K., 2017, Importance of training and development in employee performance and evaluation. Worldwide Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, vol. 3, no. 10, pp. 206–212.

[17]. Said, A. M., Halim, B. A. A., Manaf, R., & Adenan, N. S., 2022, The impact of training and development on organisational performance. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 314–329.

[18]. Sereni-Massinger, C., & Wood, N. J., 2016, Improving law enforcement communication skills: A key to building trust. International Journal of Police Science & Management, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 113–122.

[19]. Soomro, M., & Breitfeller, D., 2016, Performance evaluation in military training programs. Defence Studies, vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 145–160.

[20]. Truitt, D. L., 2011, The effect of training and development on employee attitude as it relates to training and work proficiency. SAGE Open, vol. 1, no. 3, pp. 1–13. DOI: 10.1177/2158244011433338.

[21]. Velada, R., Caetano, A., Michel, J. W., Lyons, B. D., & Kavanagh, M. J., 2007, The effects of training design and work environment on transfer of training. International Journal of Training and Development, vol. 11, no. 4, pp. 282–294. DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2419.2007.00286.x [Accessed: 29 May 2025].

[22]. Wood, G., Tyler, T. R., & Papachristos, A. V., 2020, Procedural justice training reduces police use of force and complaints against officers. PNAS, vol. 117, no. 18, pp. 9815–9821. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1920671117.

[23]. Yashodha, K. B., 2023, Training and development: An empirical analysis of employee performance in public institutions. International Journal of Management Studies, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 273–285.