Overhaul police training to reduce police shootings — and look to Norway for answers: expert

The recent fatal police shootings in Manitoba have sparked a renewed conversation about the need to modernize and lengthen police education in Canada. Elgyn Muskego, 17, and Jordan Charlie, 24, were both shot and killed by police while allegedly holding edged weapons. The Independent Investigation Unit is currently looking into both cases.

University of Alberta criminology professor Temitope Oriola believes that the emphasis on marksmanship in police training, coupled with the relatively short training period, is problematic. He suggests that Canada should look to Nordic countries for inspiration on how to improve police education. In Finland, police officers are required to complete a three-year degree program, which has led to high levels of public trust and a lower use of lethal force.

In Canada, the Winnipeg Police Service and RCMP have training programs that last around 36 weeks and 26 weeks, respectively. Oriola questions whether this is enough time to adequately prepare officers who have the power to use force, including lethal force. He argues that some barber and hairstyling programs require longer training periods.

The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police is also exploring ways to increase public trust in police and reduce the number of critical incidents involving police officers. They are focusing on crisis intervention and de-escalation training as key components of police education.

Nordic countries like Norway have centralized and exemplary models of police education. In Norway, police officers-in-training complete a three-year bachelor’s degree program that includes both coursework and field training. The emphasis is on communication and de-escalation, with the use of force weapons gradually introduced over the three-year period.

Norwegian police leaders credit the bachelor’s degree program, along with ongoing annual training, for helping officers feel prepared and safe in their roles. The focus on communication and de-escalation has led to a culture of transparency and trust between police officers and the community.

Overall, the recent tragic events in Manitoba have highlighted the need for a reevaluation of police training in Canada. By looking to Nordic countries like Finland and Norway, we may find valuable insights on how to improve police education and ultimately build a safer and more trusting relationship between law enforcement and the public.