Cognitive Load in Police Training

A Key to Effective Performance
Discover how to enhance your training methods without the need to study advanced instructional concepts or sift through years of academic research. Our latest e-book shows you how to apply cognitive load theory directly to simulator training—empowering you with practical strategies that work.
  • Practical Strategies: Apply cognitive load theory to scenario training to improve the performance of officers at every level of their career.
  • Time-Saving Insights: Immediately improve your training techniques without the need for extensive academic study.
  • Enhanced Performance: Learn how subtle adjustments in your approach can yield significant improvements in officer performance.
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“Cognitive Load in Police Training provides a realistic perspective and tangible teaching tools for both new and seasoned instructors alike. The real-world examples and actionable insights make this one of the best resources for improving how we train under pressure—essential reading for anyone using scenario-based training.”

 

Theo Chalogianis Founder, Chalogianis Consulting LLC

 

Excerpt from the E-Book:

A critical insight of CLT is the distinction between novices and experts. New and seasoned officers process information differently due to varying levels of schema development. For inexperienced officers, high intrinsic load material—like coordinating communication and tactics during an active shooter scenario—requires breaking down tasks into manageable parts. For experts, this much guidance might hinder learning, as they already possess schemas to guide their actions.

Trainers must be mindful of the expertise reversal effect, which happens when methods designed for novices are used with experts. While step-by-step instructions are essential for guiding new officers, they can disengage experienced officers and hinder their progress. Understanding where officers stand in their learning journey is key to tailoring training approaches that keep them engaged and advancing. To optimize training outcomes, it’s essential to assess trainees’ cognitive load capacity and adapt the instructional approach.

 

Who Should Read This?

If you’re responsible for training officers and want to maximize their performance, this guide is for you. Complete the form below to download your copy and receive additional expert insights

Police trainers & instructors looking to enhance scenario-based learning.
Academy directors who want to optimize training without overwhelming recruits.
Law enforcement professionals seeking practical, research-backed techniques to improve decision-making under pressure.