How does training rebalance into cultural competency training, practices for preventing racial profiling and de-escalation training?

We provide training and other experiences to give officers a sound understanding of community priorities. We train all officers in mental health, first aid and 50% of our officers and dispatchers are trained in crisis intervention. We have hosted and participated in discussions with Lexington community groups and have participated in many of the cultural celebrations.

De-escalation and avoiding bias in policing starts with hiring individuals with good character and common sense. Most have college degrees and/or prior work experience that allows us to judge their ability to make good decisions. Our background investigations are extensive, and candidates with any behavioral issues are not hired. De-escalation training is embedded in all training consistent with our professional responsibility to be ethical and responsible officers for the community.

Show All Answers

1. Do we have sufficient staffing numbers to ensure that police officers are not working too many hours per week and facing burn out?
2. What types and topics of training are required for a Lexington Police Officer? What types and topics of training required annually?
3. How does training rebalance into cultural competency training, practices for preventing racial profiling and de-escalation training?
4. Can you share any analysis of the effectiveness of each source and mode of training?
5. Given the recent national conversation on policing in the 21st Century, how does Lexington plan to evaluate policing methods to ensure we are leaders in this conversation and not followers?
6. How does civilian oversight work? Can you describe what a "weak chief" is?
7. Can you please describe accountability mechanisms for police behaviors that are outside what is expected?
8. Can you explain why we need detail officers for traffic? Can't flag holders be used instead?
9. Why do police detail officers carry their firearms with them?
10. What role do police unions play with regard to the Lexington Police Department?
11. What is approach of the Town and the Police towards membership of its police officers in police fraternities?
12. What are the Town/Police Department's views on qualified immunity for police officers?
13. With officers working overtime shifts, how do you work to prevent burnout?
14. Has there ever been a civilian board/committee that has worked with the Police Department?
15. How do you ensure that Department policies are followed and that there is a culture of accountability?