If you are a fan of Hollywood films and American cop shows, you could be forgiven for thinking that the only training that new members of the New York Police Department receive is a pep talk from their Sergeant and some anecdotes from the old timers. It doesn’t help matters that those more seasoned officers all seem to have various personal issues and, more often than not, a predilection for alcoholic beverages.

However, things are far more sophisticated than that in real life. The Criminal Investigation Course is an exemplary example of case management training and investigation techniques.

Sessions include teaching detectives about how DNA can be used to track down a suspect. There are also updates on the latest technology and how it can be used in surveillance operations. In addition, other departments share the resources they have available to them. For example, the city correction department recently demonstrated how they can supply information on gang members and how to make shortcuts when arranging prisoner interviews.

Almost two thousand of the NYPD’s investigators have been in the job less than two years, so ensuring they get the best possible training is more essential than ever. The more experienced officers are also being put through the course to ensure they have kept their knowledge up to date.