The Training Needs of Officers Working in the Municipal Police

This paper was written in order to present research undertaken in the Municipal Police of Thessaloniki (MPTH). The research objective was to outline the educational/training needs of officers working within this organisation.118 questionnaires were distributed to municipal police officers. Subsequently, six semi-structured interviews with selected officers were held, enriching with qualitative data the research. The combination of quantitative as well as qualitative data, provided the researchers with a more complete “triangulated” view of the organisation.The research concluded that the officers working for MPTH, receive inadequate training. This has contributed to the reduced degree of service response towards the needs of the general public. Specialised/thematic and regular training interventions are required, particularly in areas related to new or important functions of the MP officer profession. At the same time, "gaps" and "shortcomings" were found in matters affecting the general organizational/operational level of MPTH, but also problems inherent in the industry, problems on communication/contact with citizens and other services.