The lasting effect of community police academies: Results of a 6-month follow-up

Abstract

Community police academies (CPA) are used by police agencies to educate the public on practices and expand community involvement. Using pre-test, post-test, and follow-up survey data, the current study examines the lasting effects of attending a CPA on citizen knowledge, perceptions, and concerns. Results indicate that participants were more knowledgeable about police practices, perceived officers as more honest and accountable, and expressed lower concerns about use of force and misconduct immediately following participation. Follow-up results indicated that, while knowledge was retained, the improvements to perceptions of honesty and accountability were reduced and concerns about misconduct had increased 6 months later.