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Policing Training for the Whole Person: An Exploration of the Spiritual Dimension

NCJ Number
228913
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 78 Issue: 11 Dated: November 2009 Pages: 1-8
Author(s)
Jonathan A. Smith Ph.D.
Date Published
November 2009
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article explores the inclusion of a spiritual dimension in law enforcement training and its potential impact on the police profession.
Abstract
After an exploration on the relevance of the spiritual dimension on the Trainers' Development Program (TDP) in the United Kingdom, it was found that spirituality has the potential to benefit the wider service, as well as the TDP. The research presented has broader and more far-reaching implications. An arduous and varied job, policing, at times, draws on every element officers have in their personal armory and makeup. In the United Kingdom the principle method for training officers is the TDP, which is a 10-week, full-time residential program. In this article, the author investigated from a constructivist paradigm whether an exploration of the spiritual dimension should be included in the TDP's training course; whether the spiritual dimension had any relevance to police training. This article identifies many significant issues with respect to the relevance of an exploration of the spiritual dimension on the TDP and summarizes some of the main benefits and difficulties associated with undertaking an exploration of the spiritual dimension. 4 endnotes