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

Gonzaga University and the Spokane Police Department co-hosted a weeklong Dialogue Policing training program to enhance communication skills for law enforcement officers. The course, developed by the Columbus Police Department, is a comprehensive, evidence-based 40-hour program that focuses on fostering collaboration and understanding between police and community members. Participants engaged in various training scenarios to develop de-escalation skills and learned about crowd psychology. The training also featured discussions with community activists and media representatives, providing diverse perspectives on policing. Multiple agencies from the Spokane area attended, underscoring the initiative's local relevance.

Officers completed certification requirements at the end of the training, ensuring they grasped the material. This program aligns with ongoing efforts to improve police-community relations and enhance public safety. By equipping officers with essential communication techniques, the training aims to facilitate more effective interactions during large-scale gatherings.