Page 26 - PCPA Fall 2025 Bulletin Magazine

TRAINING THAT STICKS: HELPING OFFICERS RECALL WHAT MATTERS WHEN IT COUNTS
Cognitive science tells us that knowledge, when not
reinforced, fades rapidly. This is especially true for
procedures officers encounter infrequently, such as duty
to intervene protocols or specific steps in a use-of-force
review. These are not everyday tasks, but when they arise,
correct application is critical.
The Science Behind
Stronger Learning
One solution gaining traction is a concept known as
spaced repetition, a learning method first explored by
German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus in the 1800s.
His research revealed a “forgetting curve”—the natural
decline in memory over time—and suggested that well-
timed reviews could flatten that curve and boost long-
term recall (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica, 2024).
Today, this model is being applied in educational and
military training environments, and increasingly in public
safety. Unlike traditional one-time exposure (e.g., signing
a policy or completing a single quiz), spaced repetition
reintroduces key concepts at increasing intervals, just
before the brain is likely to forget them. This method helps
convert short-term memory into long-term understanding,
especially when the material is tied to decision-making
under pressure.
Applying This in Law Enforcement
In the law enforcement context, spaced repetition can
support better outcomes in several ways:
•  Reinforcing rarely used but high-liability policies
•  Helping new officers bridge knowledge gaps during
field training
•  Supporting promotional exam preparation
•  Offering remedial education tied to performance
improvement plans
This approach doesn't necessarily require more classroom
time. In fact, it can be delivered in short, digestible
chunks—making it suitable for shift-based, unpredictable
schedules.
PA CHIEFS OF POLICE ASSOCIATION
Unlike traditional one-
time exposure (e.g.,
signing a policy or
completing a single
quiz), spaced repetition
reintroduces key
concepts at increasing
intervals, just before the
brain is likely to forget
them. This method helps
convert short-term
memory into long-term
understanding, especially
when the material is
tied to decision-making
under pressure.
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