The Devaluation of Practical Training

This article examines the historical development of in-field training within Swedish police education from its centralization in 1967 to the present. By tracing key reforms, we analyze how the length, structure, and purpose of in-field training have shifted over time. Compared to other Scandinavian countries, Sweden has the shortest period of in-field training, raising concerns about its role in police education. Despite efforts to enhance supervision and establish clearer learning objectives, in-field training remains marginalized, with no clear consensus on its function. Drawing on the research field of practical knowledge, we investigate in-field training as a structured learning process essential for professional development. We argue that the historical uncertainty surrounding in-field training reflects a broader lack of recognition of in-field training as an integral part of police education, reinforcing a persistent divide between theoretical instruction and practical experience.