Page 27 - PCPA Fall 2025 Bulletin Magazine

TRAINING THAT STICKS: HELPING OFFICERS RECALL WHAT MATTERS WHEN IT COUNTS
Some agencies are experimenting with systems that
automate this method by generating quiz-style flashcards
based on policy language.
Others are piloting adaptive learning platforms that
tailor questions to each officer’s demonstrated areas of
weakness, promoting individualized learning instead of a
one-size-fits-all approach.
A Case Study: Cincinnati ECC
At the Cincinnati Emergency Communications Center, this
type of spaced repetition learning was piloted across their
team. The agency used AI-generated content based on
existing policies to create ongoing digital review cards.
Over a 100-day period, they saw more than a 10%
increase in comprehension and reduced classification
errors in welfare check responses.
While this is just one example, it illustrates the potential
of aligning modern learning science with the operational
realities of public safety work.
Building a Learning Culture
As departments across Pennsylvania continue to evolve to
meet both operational demands and public expectations,
it may be time to reevaluate how we approach retention.
Just as we have modernized records systems, evidence
handling, and dispatch technology, training systems must
adapt as well.
The question isn't whether officers know the policy—it’s
whether they can recall and apply it when the moment
demands it. With high-liability decisions under scrutiny,
the ability to prove policy comprehension may be as
important as the policies themselves.
Spaced repetition, adaptive training, and recall-based
learning models aren’t fads. They are part of a larger shift
toward performance-oriented learning, helping officers do
their jobs with more clarity, confidence, and consistency.
For chiefs and training leaders, the goal remains the same:
prepare your team to act lawfully, ethically, and decisively.
Tools that support stronger recall—whether homegrown
or off-the-shelf—may be key to making that goal a reality.
References
The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. (2024, February
29). Hermann Ebbinghaus. Retrieved August 2, 2024,
from Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/biography/
Hermann-Ebbinghaus
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FALL 2025 BULLETIN