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

Gonzaga University partnered with the Spokane Police Department to host a weeklong Dialogue Policing training event, which commenced on October 6. Developed by the Columbus Police Department, this 40-hour program focuses on equipping law enforcement with essential communication skills for large gatherings. Attending officers were introduced to the Dialogue Policing model and participated in a class featuring perspectives from community activists, along with a Q&A session involving local media. The curriculum also included training on de-escalation techniques and crowd psychology to foster better interactions with community members. Officers engaged in training scenarios to practice their skills before completing certification requirements at the end of the course.

Multiple agencies from the Spokane area attended, highlighting the collaborative effort to improve police-community relations. This initiative comes amid ongoing discussions about law enforcement practices and community engagement strategies. The training aims to create a more informed and responsive police force in Spokane.