Pillar five focuses on the training and education needs of law enforcement which is constantly evolving. The skills and knowledge required to effectively deal with these challenges necessitate an expanded level of education and training to do so.

To ensure the high quality and effectiveness of these programs, law enforcement agencies should engage community members, particularly those with special expertise, in the training process and provide leadership training to all personnel throughout their careers. Skill development in the area of realistic, scenario-based training has become increasingly important to better manage outcomes and minimize use-of-force.

Examples of the ways the police department demonstrates best practices in training and education

• The department follows and exceeds Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board requirements for hiring officers and requirements for peace officers.
• The department’s plan to provide more than 40 hours of crisis intervention training for all sworn officers through Minnesota Crisis Intervention Team is nearing two-thirds completion. This training provides an in-depth look at mental illness and its implications for law enforcement, covering mental illness, cognitive disorders, substance disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the workings of the mental health courts. Role-playing exercises make up about half the course and feature trained role-players and fact-based scenarios emphasizing verbal communication and de-escalation.
• The department exceeds Minnesota POST Board requirements for training hours.
• Tuition reimbursement and additional training opportunities are provided to promote ongoing learning.
• Training is provided on procedural justice and implicit bias to current and new employees that includes education on cultural awareness and race equity and inclusion. The department is committed to being a leader in these areas in order to create a more just and inclusive community for all.
• Police officers are provided with annual use-of-force training that includes a variety of force options and scenario-based training of the highest standards, emphasizing verbal de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques.
• Leadership opportunities are offered through the University of Louisville Southern Police Institute, Northwestern University Center for Public Safety, FBI’s Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (LEEDA) program, Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association Leadership Academy and the Minnesota BCA’s leadership series.
• The department operates a shift supervisor program to develop future leaders in the organization.
• The department participated in the development of the True North Constitutional Policing online training course approved by the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board. The five-module course teaches about the historical conditions that gave rise to the Bill of Rights, examines parallels to modern social issues and helps the learner understand how the role of policing fits within a free society. All new officers are required to complete the course.
• The officer training program is guided by the department’s mission and values, which are founded upon the community’s needs.