For Immediate Release
Chief Tim Lentz is proud to announce two officers with the Police Department are now certified cultural diversity trainers with an emphasis on de-escalation techniques. Sgt. Jake Lehman and Detective Kevin Collins recently returned from Norman Oklahoma where they attended classes to become certified instructors conducted by the RITE Academy.
The President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing has recommended training program standards and strategies that address changing police culture and organizational procedural justice issues. The train the trainer course attended by Sgt. Lehman and Detective Collins, was designed to look at cultural diversity thru a new lens, improving implicit bias and improving communication to de-escalate high-pressure situations. Racial Intelligence Training puts officer wellness on the front line – because when you help the officer become a better person, the profession follows.
RITE boast that their teachings fall in line with the recommendations of the 21st Century Policing approach; benefit the officer and the agency by improving morale and accountability, as well as building community relations, which ultimately builds public trust. The program teaches officers to gauge their emotional state so they do not react negatively, especially in high-pressure situations. Sgt. Lehman and Det. Collins will teach Covington Police officers on how to be aware of their emotions in various situations, and focus on how the officer feels so he or she can improve their reactions. The idea is to de-escalate whenever possible – which in turn will reduce use of force incidents.
The RITE Academy is state accredited and nationally certified.
After Chief Lentz was appointed Chief of Police, he recognized the importance in educating his force on the importance of cultural diversity by bringing in nationally recognized expert Capt. Michael Crawford. Now with two certified instructors on staff, training can be implemented more frequently and more convenient to our officers. After the parade season, all of the Covington Police Officers will be re-trained in cultural diversity. We will also provide a similar training to our community leaders. As previously mentioned, as we build our community relationships, we build public trust.
Media Contact:
Chief Tim Lentz
(985) 892-8500
(985) 768-1205
