A New Approach to Training New Conservation Officers

Indiana Conservation Officers have initiated a new training concept to prepare rookie officers for their service to the public.  Research shows among the complaints against law enforcement agencies are the lack of proper skills of an officer to interact with a diverse public.

“Interpersonal communication skills are often overlooked by law enforcement agencies when training new officers”, said Officer Dennis Talley.  “Electronic communication devices have created an environment that makes face-to-face communication a difficult obstacle for these officers to overcome.  This training will address these concerns.”

On January 5, 2015, ICO rookie officers reported to Meadowood Health Pavilion, an assisted living complex in Bloomington, and were tasked with engaging in a one-hour conversation with a resident.  Throughout the conversations, the new officers concentrated on their speaking skills as well as their active listening skills.  On January 7, the new officers will be giving a verbal presentation to the training staff explaining their experience and identifying their weaknesses and strengths.

“This training concept is challenging to this generation of officers”, said Captain Zach Mathews, Training Section Commander.  “This will give us an opportunity to work on weaknesses and enhance their ability to build positive community relationships with the citizens they will be serving.”

“Public relations are a high priority for our agency”, said DNR Law Enforcement Director Danny L. East.  “This ground breaking training concept provides our new officers with confidence and understanding on effective ways to interact with their diverse communities.”