Archived Research

Implementing an Innovative Cybersocial Learning Approach for Report Writing Skill Development in a Police Academy Setting

Jen Whiting, The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Early Research Project

This research project is designed to identify and test the impact of implementing cybersocial learning approach at the Police Training Institute that is seeking to strengthen and improve the report writing skills of recruits in a 16-week training environment. Inadequate or improper report writing is one of the major components that may cause failure during the field placement period of an officer’s early career. By implementing the cybersocial learning features, namely self-study videos with examples of report writing skill, rubrics that articulate critical elements of a police report, peer review, generative machine review, and revision prior to submission to an expert, this research project will catalog and analyze the processes and outcomes of the cybersocial-influenced report writing skills compared to the report writing skills demonstrated by a control group using traditional direct instruction methods.

Early Research Project Manuscript

Implementing Virtual Scenario Training with REAL Training Systems (RTS)

Starting in 2020, PTI began working with RTS to develop the capability to conduct scenario roleplay in a virtual environment. In 2021, PTI offered recruits the opportunity to participate in simulation training. Training involved a classroom session covering various aspects of de-escalation, followed by scenario simulation. Consistent with the adult learning model, students practiced de-escalation techniques by engaging in dynamic dialogue with computer characters in a “video game-like” environment. Subsequently, PTI expanded the standard training regimen to ensure that all students experienced the virtual scenario training approach. The primary goal is to shift students from reacting in the moment to developing intentional decision-making during citizen encounters consistent with research translating thoughts into action (Wulf & Lewthwaite, 2021). ILETSB certified the course in 2022 as meeting seven mandates, including two under the requirements of the Illinois SAFE-T Act (2021) for scenario-based de-escalation training.

Holding Police Accountable for Systemic Racial Injustice: The Illinois SPOTLITE System

University of Illinois: Call to Action to Address Racism & Social Injustice Research Program Grant, 2021 – 2022, $98,477

Project Leaders: Scott Althaus, Political Science and Cline Center for Advanced Social Research (Liberal Arts & Sciences); Michael Schlosser (Police Training Institute), Jennifer Robbennolt, Law (College of Law); Jay Jennings, Cline Center for Advanced Social Research (Liberal Arts & Sciences)

What is measured matters. Illinois law requires policing agencies to report each use of lethal force, to measure racial disparities in these incidents, and to report this information to the public. But this has not happened. The Illinois SPOTLITE system will fill this gap by creating accurate, comprehensive, and accessible data about lethal force incidents in Illinois from 2014 to the present. This data will empower communities, enhance accountability, identify agencies most in need of reform, and facilitate rigorous evaluation of reform efforts.

Infrastructure for Modern Educational Delivery Technologies: Nationwide Law Enforcement Training Infrastructure – A Study

Grant Number: 15STCIR00001-05-03, 2021-2022, $750,000

*Project Leaders:*Dr. Bill Cope, Learning Design and Leadership (College of Education); Dr. Mary Kalantzis Learning Design and Leadership (College of Education); Dr. Denice Hood (College of Education); Dr. Michael Schlosser (Police Training Institute); Randall Sandone, CIRI; Andrea Whitesell, CIRI; Dementro Powell, UIUC Public Safety; Shannon Holubetz (College of Education); Jen Whiting (College of Education)

Researchers in the Critical Infrastructure Resilience Institute (CIRI), a Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence led by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, led an effort to assess current infrastructure and offer a blueprint for upgrading training systems, research, infrastructure, products, expertise, and services for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC). FLETC provides career-long training to law enforcement professionals to help them fulfill their responsibilities safely and proficiently. The one-year, $750,000 project will address all systems that contribute to creating, delivering, and managing curriculum. Press Release

Infusing Community Policing Strategies into Hot Spots Policing Practices: The Impacts on Police-Community Relations in Mid-Sized Cities

SAMSHA’s GAINS Center for Behavioral Health and Justice Transformation (PI) (2021). U.S. Department of Justice, DOJ 2017-R2-CX-0012, 2017, $1M