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

Gonzaga University and the Spokane Police Department co-hosted a weeklong training event to promote Dialogue Policing, aimed at improving law enforcement-community interactions. Developed by the Columbus Police Department, this 40-hour course emphasizes evidence-based communication skills for handling large gatherings. Officers learned from community activists through Q&A sessions, enhancing their understanding of diverse perspectives. The curriculum also featured de-escalation techniques and insights from crowd psychology, critical for effective policing. To reinforce their training, officers participated in realistic scenarios, ensuring they could apply the concepts learned.

Certification at the end of the week confirmed their competency in these essential skills. The training attracted multiple local agencies, highlighting its importance in the Spokane area. This initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to foster collaboration between law enforcement and community members.