SBSLI conducted two SBSLI pilot classes allowing six dispatch supervisors to attend. After the completion of the initial pilot, staff added three dispatch supervisors to 12 of the 22 SBSLI classes. The instructional material was relevant to the jobs of dispatch supervisors and the adult learning methodology provided an opportunity for relationship building, trust, and learning through conversation and activities for both supervisors and sergeants.
Upon completion of SBSLI classes 419 and 420, the students and facilitators were interviewed and asked to complete a questionnaire regarding their experience in the SBSLI program (see Attachment A). When asked about the case studies relevancy to dispatch supervisors, one dispatch supervisor stated,
"I found all the case studies pertinent. I was able to look at them all from a dispatch perspective and analyze them in that sense. It was also very helpful to get the analysis of the sergeants to see their train of thought in certain case studies vs. my train of thought as a dispatcher.”
The dispatch supervisors communicated this course was extremely valuable and would help in bridging the gap between civilian and sworn members of law enforcement agencies.
At the conclusion of the SBSLI pilot course the facilitators were asked about the experience of adding dispatch supervisors to the SBSLI course, one facilitator said,
“Dispatch supervisors were included in conversations, class events, meals, etc., for the entire eight months. They were able to provide a different perspective to sergeants and both sets learned how the others think, believe, and feel about the roles in law enforcement. Based on facilitators feedback, the inclusion of dispatch supervisors had a positive impact on classroom discussions." |