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 event starting October 6th, aimed at enhancing communication skills for law enforcement. Developed by the Columbus Police Department, this 40-hour course equips officers to better engage with community members during large gatherings. Officers were introduced to the Dialogue Policing model and participated in a Q&A session with local activists and media representatives, promoting understanding and collaboration. The training focused on de-escalation techniques and science-informed crowd psychology, ensuring that officers could apply these skills in practice. Participants engaged in training scenarios to solidify their learning before completing certification requirements.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve community relations and reduce tensions during public events. Multiple agencies from the Spokane area attended, highlighting the regional commitment to this training. The program aims to create a more informed and responsive police force, ultimately benefiting community interactions.