Police find lessons by going online

Hiring police officers is expensive — and then they need time with instructors. A Texas company proposes replacing the instructors with videos.

Since 2001, MSGPR Ltd. Co. has offered a series of training DVDs, including “pre-test, post-test and instructor guides, and resource materials,” for law enforcement agencies. Now it’s making the videos available online.

Subjects include standard procedures, officer and suspect safety, and probable cause and warrantless searches. The company says agencies can save lives and avoid litigation with this training.

“There are no actors in these full action video segments. All participants are trained officers, demonstrating the skills they know to be reliable and effective. These are skills which continue to work both on and off duty. Skills to make a difference,” its promotional material proclaims.

The videos aren’t cheap, whether you buy the DVDs or online access to them. Group rates apply, but expect to pay hundreds of dollars.

No mention is made of whether they’re available to civilians, including would-be officers.

If you’re eager for a job in law enforcement, you might try Budaörs, Hungary, where the entire police force quit after winning more than $16 million in the national lottery.

According to a story in London’s Daily Telegraph, the 15 officers presented their shared 50-cent ticket and resigned on the spot.

Back-up units are serving the area while recruiting of replacements goes on, the story said. It didn’t mention training.