How to use the EMMIE framework for evaluation of police training: a practical case example

Police training is essential to prepare officers for complex and potentially dangerous situations, yet systematic evaluation of such training remains limited. EMMIE (an acronym of Effects, Mechanisms, Moderators, Implementation, and Economic costs) provides a framework for multidimensional evaluation that addresses not only training effectiveness but also the underlying mechanisms, contextual factors, and implementation considerations. We use the Short, Powerful, and Intensive (SPI) firearms training developed by the Dutch Police Academy as a practical case example of evaluation with the EMMIE framework. We show how the dimensions of Implementation and Economic costs formed the basis from which the SPI training was introduced. We then compare SPI training to regular firearms training to demonstrate methods to evaluate Effects, Mechanisms, and Moderators. By doing so, we showcase their relevance for police training and aim to contribute to the broader development of evaluation methods within the field of evidence-based police training.