COLUMBIA — Two people fight on a sidewalk as a police officer pulls up in a squad car. Shouting, a man turns to the officer while the woman walks away.
The situation can go any number of ways from there. It’s up to the officers in training to decide what to do in the computer-simulated scenario. Standing in front of a screen, their response dictates the outcome. The situation is one of many they will practice at the Criminal Justice Academy in Columbia, where every new police officer in the state undergoes training.
Last year, the academy turned out just over 1,000 students, who went on to work for law enforcement agencies across the state.
For 12 weeks, including four online, recruits learn about the law, self-defense, and how to use their weapons. Woven through all their training is crisis communication, which teaches officers how to handle as many situations as possible through talking while still recognizing when they might need to use force.
Crisis communication is integral to the training, especially in scenarios where a physical confrontation is possible. Outside, the recruits learn how to fire a gun; inside, they learn when to fire it. Instructor Donta Stewart told the half-dozen recruits waiting for their turn with the computer simulation that understanding the gravity of their decisions in split-second moments is critical.
During a recent simulation, one recruit successfully defused a tense situation. After the computer-generated man reached for a rolled-up flag, the officer used verbal de-escalation techniques. He managed to convince the man to drop the flag and get on his knees without drawing his weapon. In stark contrast, another recruit faced a more challenging situation. When she failed to establish communication effectively, the man wielded the flag as a weapon. Panicked, she drew her gun and shot the character three times, resulting in his death.
Following such encounters, Stewart guides the recruits through reflective questioning, prompting them to think critically about their actions. What could have been done to avoid escalation? What cues should have signaled the need for a different approach? Such debriefs enable recruits to hone their decision-making skills and prepare themselves for the complexities of real-world encounters.
Scottie Frier, another instructor specializing in de-escalation, starts his classes with a provocative question: could recruits talk themselves into five use-of-force situations? From there, he encourages them to shift their mindset to talk themselves out of such circumstances. This perspective is crucial, especially for new officers who may have limited exposure to confrontational situations prior to entering the academy, as agency director Jackie Swindler points out.
Swindler emphasizes that effective communication is paramount. Officers must learn to navigate a variety of interactions, from routine encounters to intense crises involving individuals dealing with mental health issues. He notes that communication becomes the officer's most potent tool, shaping their approach in the field.
The training environment at the academy includes a blend of online and in-person learning, structured over 12 weeks. Upon beginning their training at the academy, recruits first engage in four weeks of online courses focusing on legal principles, self-defense tactics, and operational procedures. Their successful completion is contingent upon passing rigorous testing before transitioning to hands-on training, which includes the simulation exercises that foster decision-making.
The academy's physical campus in Columbia resembles a realistic urban landscape where recruits can practice traffic stops, crisis scenarios, and even mock court appearances. Instructors continuously monitor their progress, ensuring that each trainee engages meaningfully with the material while simulating real-world stressors.
As technology evolves, the academy is actively considering its place within officer training paradigms. Swindler points out that officers must continue to adapt throughout their careers, with a mandated 40 hours of additional training every three years. This includes updates in techniques and an increasing potential focus on artificial intelligence tools for analysis and operational efficiency. AI's role should be examined carefully, balancing its utility against the inherent risks of misinformation.
Officers will need to maintain their foundational skills in traditional policing—communication and situational awareness—harnessing emerging technologies rather than allowing them to supersede essential human judgment.
The evolution of training methods, particularly through de-escalation and communication, reflects a critical shift in law enforcement. As police departments increasingly recognize the need for effective verbal strategies, the emphasis on these techniques may improve outcomes in conflict situations. Early reports suggest the integration of technology could further enhance officers’ abilities, but there's caution—communication remains paramount. As we observe this evolution, it’s essential to remain vigilant about the implications of technology on officer training and community interactions, ensuring that human instincts and connections are never sidelined by automation. It will be interesting to see how this dynamic continues to shape modern policing practices in South Carolina and beyond.