LPD, Area Officers Receive Cross-Cultural Communication Training

Lima police and other area law enforcement and officials attended a training on Tuesday to better deal with African-American males in the community.

The training focused on cross-cultural communication and relationship building with the community. In this case, more specifically with African-American men.

It's all over social media -  violent police-civilian interaction. One of the presenters of Tuesday's training says these things are not new. We are just seeing more of it.

"We just have video camera, social media, and all of those things," said Vince Peterson.  

The presenters, recommended by the Attorney General's Office, are from Intensive Supervised Probation and drug court in Trumbull County. LPD says this kind of training should help law enforcement have an open mind to work with different cultures in the field. 

"This is for us to be reminded that we need to look at a broader perspective of things that are going on in the community, and with those within the community," said Major Patrick Coon with the Lima Police. 

"Our philosophy is: rules without relationship breeds rebellion," said Peterson. 

The training aims at breaking down stereotypes law enforcement may have before even interacting with someone and how to sharpen communication skills to get the best out of one-on-one contact

"Not everybody is just like you, not everybody is going to think just like you, so you have to bring a different approach to different situations," said Lima patrolman Tanner Engle. 

"It makes you kind of look inside yourself and think how you're gonna approach that situation. It teaches us different techniques for different situations," said Lima patrolman Brandon Stephenson. 

Officer Peterson says they believe communication is the best weapon an officer can use. 

"We think that one of the best things an officer can have is his ability to communicate," he said. 

Other Lima and area officers, as well as court officials and organizations, will attend the same training on Wednesday. 

LPD says officers who weren't able to attend will watch the entire presentation on video.