Police agencies are beginning to use adult-learning techniques as a way to develop officers equipped with both the physical and mental tools needed to succeed in policing today, and preparing for the next generation of recruits. Adult learning holds the potential to solve two problems: teaching the changing police duties to the changing characteristic of today's police recruitment pool. Today's police agencies must be able to assess community needs, recognize potential dangers, and respond both quickly and appropriately at all times. Training implementing and using adult-learning principles (andragogy) helps students build the skills needed to succeed in community policing. It helps students become empowered, develop into self-directed learners, build collaboration skills, and use available resources to find solutions to real-world problems. 15 notes