The use of external figurants in the Swedish police education

The use of external figurants is a frequent practice in the Swedish police education. In simulations with external figurants the police students are supposed to practice their theoretical knowledge and practical policing skills in realistic cases in a role-play. However, to our knowledge, very little is documented about why, when and how figurants are best used in the police education and if the results of the student’s knowledge correlate with the time, effort and costs connected to the use of figurants. This study aims to describe advantages and disadvantages of the use of figurants in police education.

The study is based on interviews with police students, police teachers, figurants, and administrative staff to gain a broad comprehension of the educational use of figurants. The main results show there are various reasons for using figurants, which may differ between the police education as well as between subjects and individual teachers. 

Despite differences, students and teachers alike consider the practical exercises with figurants as an important and significant part of the police education. When figurant exercises are implemented as a strategic tool in the education, it gives the students a deeper sense and understanding of their future profession. 

Challenges with figurants often concern the number and the strategic selection of matching figurants with the right exercise. A frequently mentioned problem is the need for an exercise to be modified on spot due to the lack of the required number or, for the specific exercise, the appropriate category of figurants.

To reach a common view and target oriented approach among the involved staff, the study indicates a need of a review of the planning process and the administrative routines for the best results of the economic and personnel investment.

Authors:

Cecilia Jonsson, Phd, senior lecturer, Center for Police Research and Development Department of Police Work, Linnaeus University, Växjö Sweden

Susanna Lif, analyst Center for Police Research and Development Department of Police Work, Linnaeus University, Växjö Sweden