Beyond the Badge

While many police training concepts have remained the same over the years, training options and budgets have changed. Criminal justice students and police academy leadership alike could benefit from a refreshed look at all that is possible. With Beyond the Badge: Cutting Edge Training Tactics for Modern Law Enforcement, Dr. Mark A. Lahr, PhD, developed the definitive template for a modern police training program. Lahr has worked in law enforcement for nearly four decades, much of it in training. Beyond the Badge offers a universal training concept perfect for all budgets and levels of need, helping trainers build on what works to create what today’s law enforcement needs. To adequately prepare officers for the diverse communities they serve globally, police departments should integrate technological advancements while emphasizing interpersonal skills. Excessive reliance on state-of-the-art technology, devoid of a solid foundation in empathy, resilience, and collaboration, raises concerns. The future of law enforcement training will strike a balance between these two crucial elements. We are witnessing a significant global transformation as law enforcement agencies increasingly recognize the need to adapt and evolve. The emphasis of practical law enforcement training is shifting from traditional teamwork practices to developing collaborative partnerships. This contemporary approach prioritizes continuous policy evaluation and a strong commitment to ethical standards. By embracing this comprehensive strategy, policing can become effective, safe, and compassionate, reflecting the values that foster thriving communities. Law enforcement agencies should cultivate an innovative culture that embraces modern training solutions.