The Impact of COVID-19 on Learning and Training of Law Enforcers: A Case for Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia
| Published date | 01 July 2023 |
| DOI | http://doi.org/10.1177/23220058221143442 |
| Author | Mazlifah Mansoor,Azni Mond Dian,Habibah Omar,Syazlin Mansor |
| Date | 01 July 2023 |
| Subject Matter | Articles |
Article
The Impact of COVID-19 on
Learning and Training of Law
Enforcers: A Case for Fire and
Rescue Department of Malaysia
Mazlifah Mansoor1, Azni Mond Dian1, Habibah Omar1
and Syazlin Mansor2
Abstract
In the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, online distance learning is an essential part of ongoing education
for law enforcement officers all over the country. However, limited research has been done on using
learning management systems by law enforcement agencies for professional development. This study
aims to determine how law enforcement officers perceive and respond to distance learning as a tool for
professional development. They may have adopted distance learning technology without determining
its effectiveness in training or education. This study examines the characteristics, benefits and draw-
backs of open distance learning (ODL), as well as the difficulties in its application to the legal training
of fire services officers (FS officers) in the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia. The study utilized
a focus group consisting of 15 FS officers. Quantitative and qualitative data are combined using the
mixed-methods research design. The findings indicate that FS officers encountered various obstacles
when applying to and completing training programmes via online ODL, which included practical legal
training. The primary hurdles identified are adaptability, technical knowledge, computer literacy, com-
munication, distraction issues and time management. However, the study found that law enforcement
officers perceive and respond well to distance learning as a tool for professional development. The
instructional material design stimulates active learning by the trainees so they can track their progress
during the training, contributing to this result.
Keywords
COVID-19, open distance learning, legal training, law enforcers, fire services officers
Asian Journal of Legal Education
10(2) 243–257, 2023
© 2022 The West Bengal National
University of Juridical Sciences
Article reuse guidelines:
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DOI: 10.1177/23220058221143442
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1 Faculty of Law, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia.
2 Messrs Tina Ong and Syazlin Mansor, Selangor, Malaysia.
Corresponding author:
Habibah Omar, Faculty of Law, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
E-mail: habib597@uitm.edu.my
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