Evaluating Leadership Training Programs for Police Officers: Implications for Leadership Training Enhancement
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69569/jip.2026.281Keywords:
Leadership program, Organizational development, Police training, Training evaluationAbstract
Empirical evidence on the effectiveness of leadership development programs for non-commissioned officers in localized public safety training settings in the Philippines remains limited, particularly at the regional level. This study assessed the effectiveness of the Philippine Public Safety College’s Public Safety Junior and Senior Leadership Courses in developing the leadership competencies of non-commissioned police officers and identified areas for program enhancement. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used, involving 161 non-commissioned police officers. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, and one-way ANOVA, while qualitative responses were examined through thematic analysis. Results showed that the training program was rated Highly Effective across the four Kirkpatrick evaluation levels, with an overall mean of 3.49. No significant differences were found in perceived effectiveness when respondents were grouped by demographic profile, suggesting that the program was generally relevant across participant groups. However, qualitative findings revealed key challenges that may limit the program’s long-term impact, including packed schedules, limited practical application, resource and venue constraints, information overload, lack of post-training support, limited customization by career stage, and emotional and mental fatigue. These findings show that while the program is effective in its current design and delivery, its sustained impact depends on stronger experiential learning, better pacing, continued post-training reinforcement, and curriculum adjustments that respond to participants’ career stages. The study concludes that leadership training for non-commissioned officers can be strengthened by addressing both instructional and organizational barriers, thereby improving supervisory readiness, institutional accountability, and leadership development in public safety organizations.
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