The experiences of the online education of use-of-force tactics

Abstract

Aim: The article presents the experience of digital education of use-of-force tactics as a law enforcement higher education subject.
Methodology: Based on the history of the past decade, it can be stated that those serving in law enforcement are facing ever-changing challenges at global, regional and domestic level. The training methodology and equipments of law enforcement organizations respond to these changed challenges – with special attention to firearms training and use of force tactics – only with limited and often several years of delay. The coronavirus pandemic is also one of these never-seen-before challenges, and the public administration, law enforcement, and thus law enforcement higher education had to respond quickly and appropriately. The study provides a brief insight into the content of use-of-force tactics as a law enforcement higher education subject, the specialties of its education, and the subject-specific possibilities and limitations of digital education. It summarises the results and shortcomings of digital education through the analysis of student satisfaction questionnaire data. It proposes to define the directions of the development of the subject.
Findings: The online curriculum developed for full-time students in law enforcement higher education was suitable for transfering useful knowledge. The use-of-force tactics as a subject cannot be taught exclusively online, participation in practical sessions is essential.
Value: The issue was not the subject of a previous study, the findings and conclusions contained therein contain data and information that can be used in the development of the subject.