ASSESSMENT OF TRAINING PRACTICES IN THE GHANA POLICE SERVICE

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.

iv

KEY WORDS

Training Practices

Ghana Police Service

Pedagogical Practices

Trainees

Trainers

Recruit