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 to enhance communication skills among law enforcement during large-scale gatherings. The course, developed by the Columbus Police Department, is a comprehensive, evidence-based, 40-hour program focused on fostering collaboration and understanding between police and community members. Officers learned about the Dialogue Policing model, attended classes on community activism perspectives, and engaged in Q&A sessions with local activists and media representatives. Key topics included de-escalation techniques and the principles of crowd psychology informed by scientific research. To ensure mastery of the material, officers participated in practical training scenarios before completing certification requirements.

This training reflects a growing recognition of the need for improved police-community relations in Spokane. Multiple agencies from the Spokane area attended, highlighting the collaborative effort to enhance public safety. The initiative aims to build trust and improve interactions between law enforcement and the community, particularly during large events.