Recently we have heard much about a race guiding police action and about police abusing certain segments of society. The response of communities, government and law enforcement has largely been to accept the assertion without real evidence, to remove officer’s tools, to defund police and downsize agencies.  There are no greater defenders of liberty than those willing to die for the oppressed and victimized!

This course looks at culture, not black, brown, or white skin color, not political leanings, but at that which guides our mindset, our decisions and most importantly, our actions, intentional or unintentional. The course examines culture as a driving factor in the community and within the law enforcement agency. Participants examine the causes of cultural divides, from a lack of understanding to barriers in community relations. This course attempts to build understanding within attendees of themselves, their agencies, and causes of distrust, and then to provide methods for developing and fostering solutions trust within the community. We examine this from the perspective of law enforcement, culture, and community expectations, as well as examining sources of misinformation. We endeavor to demonstrate how cultural misunderstanding, bias, and misinformation impact law enforcement through negative imaging.

This course guides the participant into their own research and discussion on current issues. We use a real-life project from the instructor’s experience to demonstrate steps that can lead to positive outcomes and a win/win. We also proactively examine the upcoming necessity of addressing the immigrant and refugee populations.  

Topics to be addressed:   

•               The meaning, source of, and impact of culture in police encounters.

•               Understanding the multiple types of bias, including our own.

•               Serving the natural citizen, the foreign born, and the young through an understanding of their unique culture. 

•               Is it black and white?

•               Addressing perceptions and understanding media bias.

•               The process building the cultural bridge.

 Length of Training- One day    

 Some comments from the pilot of this course:   

1.    This was the best “cultural diversity” class I have attended during my law enforcement career. I appreciate the ability to have an open and sincere discussion during the class.   

2.    Great class that provided in depth education as well as great interaction and deep discussion.

3.    Instructor did a great job teaching a potentially difficult subject.

4.    Great job-good information!

5.    Great change and approach to cultural diversity- not the same old class on the topic.