USQ works with police to develop mentoring program

USQ research into police mentoring may be considered by the Queensland Police Force as it seeks new innovations for equipping new constables with better skills to police the State.

USQ Faculty of Education lecturer Dr Mark Tyler and Toowoomba acting Senior Sergeant Bill McKenzie have spent the past 12 months researching the mentoring model deployed by Queensland Police in Toowoomba.

This is the first time academic research has been aimed at police mentoring in Queensland.

Dr Tyler said the research examined the way in which mentoring in the First Years Constable Program (FYC) was deployed from a Field Training Officer’s (mentor’s) perspective.

The FYC Program is on-the-job training, and includes an experienced officer working with the new constable in two four-week mentoring periods.

'This is a time when the new officer is shown the ropes,' Dr Tyler said. 'Mentoring is particularly important in the police force, as it is where first-year constables get to hone their police operational skills.'

Thirteen Field Training Officers were interviewed. These mentors shared their perspectives on carrying out the task, their impressions of its success and reflected on their own suitability to be mentors.

'This project is unique because it offers information from the mentor’s perspective. Some of the findings in this research have shown these mentors' to be highly committed to the process of imparting their understanding of policing to their protégées,' Dr Tyler said.

It was found that officers generally mentored a FYC in a similar way to how they themselves were mentored. The research also identified the need for the mentors to 'think for two' when carrying out operations. This was reported as being mentally and emotionally taxing on Field Training Officers.

'This research found that effective mentoring comes down to extensive experience in policing,' Dr Tyler said.

With research results soon to be published, Dr Tyler is applying for funding to expand the project.

'This is a rare opportunity to gain insights into the Queensland Police and how training is conducted,' he said.

The research also forged a stronger educational relationship between USQ and Toowoomba Police. Acting Senior Sergeant Bill McKenzie said the professional relationship between USQ and Toowoomba Police was extremely valuable.

'It has enabled us to conduct a spirited and disciplined inquiry into our workplace training practice with a view to enhancing it,' he said.