Spokane Police Department and Gonzaga University co-host weeklong Dialogue Policing training

Gonzaga University partnered with the Spokane Police Department to conduct a weeklong Dialogue Policing training event, enhancing law enforcement communication skills. Developed by the Columbus Police Department, the comprehensive 40-hour course equips officers to better interact with community members during large gatherings. Multiple agencies from the Spokane region participated, highlighting the collaborative effort to improve policing strategies. The training included a segment on community activist perspectives, allowing officers to engage directly with local voices. A focus on de-escalation techniques and science-informed crowd psychology aimed to prepare officers for real-world situations.

Officers also took part in training scenarios to reinforce their learning before completing certification. This effort aims to foster trust and collaboration between police and the community they serve. The initiative signifies a proactive approach to addressing community-police relations in Spokane.