Sociological Analysis of Police Training Practices in Ghana: Theoretical and Conceptual Schools of Thought

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to critically look at the theoretical and conceptual schools of thought of Talcott Parsons AGIL theory in relation to police training practices. It is realized that Parsons AGIL theory has a significant relation and application to police training practices. The researcher in related studies looked critically at the AGIL theory in relation to the curriculum, scope of training and the pedagogical practices employed by police training academies (A), the social outcomes of police training practices (G), how the police apply their training to police work (I) and the challenges facing police training academies (L). It has therefore being established that the resources used in the police training academies like the curriculum, the equipment and pedagogical materials in achieving appropriate goals is termed as Adaptation. In addition how the police can fulfill and achieve their core mandates would basically be referred to as Goal Attainment in the context of this study whereas the various divisions in the police service that come together to achieve their core mandates is referred to as Integration and lastly the risk, stresses and challenges police personnel go through in the course of delivering their duties can simply be referred to as Latency. It is therefore recommended by the researcher that various resources (A), various divisions in the police service should work in harmony (I) to achieve prescribed goals (G) effectively and efficiently and minimizing associated challenges and risks (L) the police face in their work delivery.

Keywords: sociological, police, training practices, AGIL

DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/9-12-15

Publication date:June 30th 2019