The Baltimore Police Department now requires its members to complete a program on emotional regulation that uses video as a learning tool and teaches them the basics of brain science.
BALTIMORE (AP) — A three-minute viral video shows an irate
Exposing police to similar tools could help reduce police violence, avoid unfavorable headlines and build community trust, organizers said.
“Today is an invitation for you to learn something that can help you personally and professionally,” Tucker told the class of officers. “Law enforcement is different today. Every single thing is being recorded.”
The increased prevalence of body cameras and cellphones means officers are facing more pressure to stay calm even when they get triggered.
During the class, instructors talked about how to avoid a “bottom brain” reaction, in part by approaching others with empathy.
“We have to learn how to separate the person from the behavior,” Tucker said.
That could mean dismantling stereotypes, such as assuming everyone in a certain neighborhood is a drug dealer, said Sgt. Amy Strand, another instructor.
“I like to twist it and say, what about us?” she said, describing how some people assume all police officers are corrupt and aggressive. “We get it dealt to us, so let’s not deal it out to everybody else. Give some grace.”
The Baltimore Police Department recently started administering the training amid a slew of other reform efforts dating back years. In the wake of Gray’s death, Justice Department investigators uncovered a pattern of unconstitutional policing practices, especially against Black residents. That led to a 2017 federal consent decree mandating a series of court-ordered changes.
Soon thereafter, several officers were indicted on federal racketeering charges as the Gun Trace Task Force corruption scandal reverberated through the department, further fracturing public trust. In recent months, the department received criticism after two police shootings in adjacent neighborhoods.
Sgt. Maria Velez, the third instructor, said the career brings its challenges, but she still wants to help people. She asked her colleagues to think about their reasons for joining the police force.
“This is more than just a job. You have a calling for this, something inside of you that makes you want to get up every single day and push through adversity,” she said. “Everyone here is still choosing to show up, regardless of what’s happened.”
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