Police education and training: A scoping review of the research literature

Despite their centrality to police legitimacy and operational effectiveness, formal education and training remain under-researched and conceptually inchoate topics. This paper addresses this gap through a scoping review of academic literature published between 2004 and 2023. It systematically maps publication patterns, methodological approaches, disciplinary orientations, and topical and thematic foci to assess the range and character of existing research. The findings reveal key trends and blind spots, particularly regarding the design, delivery, and evaluation of instruction. By contextualizing these patterns within broader transformations in policing, the paper offers a foundation for future inquiry and more evidence-based approaches to officer development.