These lively and stimulating ideas for use in and out of class reinforce active learning. The activities apply to individual or group projects.

5-1:  Evaluate the pros and cons associated with higher education requirements for police officers.

1. Practicum:  In groups of 3-5, outline 5 ways agencies can support, though not mandate, officers in pursuing higher education. Present to the class.
2. Writing:  In 500-800 words, consider the arguments both for and against higher education requirements for police officers.

5-2:  Appraise the results of research studies that examine the relationship between higher education and job performance.

1. Documentation:  In groups of 3-5, hypothesize 3-7 reasons why chiefs with college educations might be rated higher than their high school counterparts.
2. Writing:  Though research has shown mixed findings regarding the relationship between higher education and job performance, some officers might not have the immediate opportunity to pursue higher education. How can police agencies support the development of communication skills, critical thinking, and research in standard police training? Discuss in 800-1000 words.

5-3:  Identify the purposes of police training.

1. Role-playing:  In groups of 4-6, create 3 scenarios that portray police training. Discuss the purpose behind each of the trainings and how the training can be conducted effectively.
2. Writing:  Imagine you are a recently enrolled police officer. What do you imagine the purpose of your upcoming training to be? What are your hopes and concerns for this training? Reflect in 800-1000 words.

5-4:  Describe the three basic types of police training.

1. Practicum:  In groups of 4-6, imagine you are a team of police administrators planning ongoing in-service training. Outline 3 training lessons for all officers that are designed to enhance professionalism, effectiveness, and motivation.
2. Writing:  Imagine you are a veteran officer preparing to supervise a new officer on his or her field training. What will be your hopes, concerns, and guiding principles for serving as a mentor? Discuss in 800-1000 words.

5-5:  Discuss some of the challenges related to training police organizations faces as well as some strategies to address those challenges.

1. Practicum:  In groups of 3-5, outline 3-5 potential mandatory training programs and 3-5 voluntary training programs. Discuss how you hope these compliment each other, and potential obstacles in executing them.
2. Writing:  In 500-800 words, discuss current challenges to police training and potential ways to address these challenges. Write as if you are an invested citizen writing an Op-Ed for a local newspaper.