Poor Police Training Leads to Wrongful Death Suit

Christina Cole

Contributor

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A survey conducted by the Associated Press reveals at least 30 states - Indiana included - let newly hired local law enforcement officers hit the street entirely too early with little to no training at all.

In most cases, recruits are to be supervised by full fledged officers, but that doesn't always take place. These states allow for a grace period prior to rookies being sent to a police academy.

Many speculate the risks of this practice are too high, leading to unfortunate incidents such as one in 2003, when a 24-year old rookie at Ball State University shot and killed an unarmed student.

The officer is now being sued in a wrongful death lawsuit for shooting the student in the head and three times in the chest.

There are no estimates for the number of untrained recruits working but the practice is entirely too common amongst smaller town police forces and sheriff's departments.