Acknowledging, Respecting and Valuing Difference
Target Audience - Entire Agency
Length – 2 Days
Like most workgroups, law enforcement agencies are comprised of a diverse workforce serving a diverse customer base. However, the role played by law enforcement officials’ places employees in daily conflicts with those they serve in the most visible fashion. Regardless of what tools technology will give them, law enforcement officers will continue to make split second decisions under the most extreme and unpredictable conditions. These decisions will undoubtedly be evaluated for years to come, in many cases at the cost of the affected officer.
While seemingly unique because of the inherent risk of law enforcement duties, diversity conflict can be found in all levels of Government and private industry alike. Social and demographic shifts in the workforce generate work teams comprised of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Differences in values, experiences, gender, culture, language, education level, norms and lifestyles can cause misunderstanding. The conflict and discord that sometimes emerge can hamper the team’s effectiveness. Alternatively, when we practice human relations skills and intercultural sensitivity to build cooperation in diverse teams, we can use these differences to create opportunities for innovation in the community.
The most successful corporations in the world have prospered by creating diverse work groups, valuing the input of all, and by learning as much as possible about their customers. Law enforcement will equally benefit from such training targeting the underlying issues associated with people. In doing so, law enforcement officers will improve services provided, reduce conflict and reduce inherent stress in the workplace without compromising officer safety! Our Valuing Difference training will bring awareness to the rewards of recognizing, acknowledging, seeking and valuing difference within the department and community.