Editor’s Note: Anthony Gangi — who authors the Training Scenarios series — has recorded a Podcast with guest Gary York, which is available for purchase here. Topic of discussion is empathy vs. sympathy. Recently, discussion have been centered around the difference between empathy and sympathy. This dialogue with Gary is an effort to bring about a better understanding of both the above mentioned words. For corrections officers, one can be a tool and the other can jeopardize security.
Training is paramount. Constructing training that can be easily applied to the real world is hard. As the field of corrections moves forward, what should be offered at every academy? How would you organize a training agenda that would highlight real world application in our ever changing field?
Lieutenant Smith has recently been promoted to Director of the Training Academy. This is a position that he feels he can best make a difference. He has been in training for over twenty years and he has witnessed, first hand, the change in corrections. As a Director, he wants to institute a program that best suits where corrections is headed. He wants to organize training classes that highlight real world application. Therefore, he is preparing to begin anew.
Lieutenant Smith is looking to build from the past and then expand forward. He is looking for a way to provide training that is based on reality and can easily be brought from the training room to real life.
He comes to you for advice. What type of training would you suggest that could best improve the correctional academy and put us on the same level as other law enforcement agencies?