Which statement best characterizes traditional military-style police training?

• A. It may be detrimental to the officer on the job.
• B. Traditional military-style police training does not promote individual decision-making and problem solving ability.
• C. Traditional military-style police training often is of little value in police work.
• D. All of the above statements are correct.

Answer: (D)

Traditional military-style police training tends to emphasize obedience, hierarchy, and rapid, drill-like responses under stress. That approach can be detrimental to on-the-job performance because it may curb flexibility, suppress situational judgment, and foster a warrior mindset over adaptive problem solving. It often does not promote individual decision-making and problem solving ability, since the training rewards following orders and applying scripted procedures rather than thinking through unique circumstances. And it can be of little value in police work, where everyday duties require de-escalation, community engagement, and discretionary thinking that fits civilian contexts better than rigid, battlefield-inspired techniques. Because these concerns align, all of the above statements are correct.