MPD Being Trained in Community Police Techniques

Montgomery police are being trained to recognize how they are influenced by biases they might bring to the job.

The Montgomery Advertiser reports the training is led by former Tuskegee Mayor Omar Neal, who is a graduate of the Montgomery Police Academy.

Neal says he is teaching officers about cultural sensitivity, de-escalation techniques, effective communication and how to deal with implicit bias.

He says when officers can empathize with people, understanding is improved and the public sees officers as being fair.

Patrol officer JS Carthen has been on the job two years. She says the training has helped her recognize the importance of not treating people differently because of their economic background or appearance.

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