Penn College to Host Diversity Training for Police Officers

Published 09.16.2015

News

An interactive racial diversity training program for local law enforcement is being sponsored by Penn College Police and will be held Sept. 24 at Pennsylvania College of Technology’s main campus in Williamsport.

The program, "Improving Campus Public Safety Racial Diversity Through Effective Communications Training," will be led by Lee Struble and Steve Grant of WSM Trainers and Consultants.



Struble is a 30-year public safety veteran (having worked at Nazareth College, Monroe Community College, Rochester Institute of Technology and St. John Fisher College), and is a senior trainer for the National Crime Prevention Council. Grant is retired from the Rochester Police Department, where he served as an instructor in hostage negotiation and defensive tactics for its 700-plus members.

“Tolerance and understanding is part of the skill set for a police officer. This training will provide the officers with a better understanding in changes in cultures, the impact of the media and social media when law-enforcement actions are taken, effective communication strategies and understanding of disruptive or violent behaviors,” said Chris E. Miller, Penn College’s police chief and director of campus safety. “I believe our area officers already do a good job in working with their communities, and this training will re-energize their commitment and provide them with new ways to communicate more effectively.”

The training topics include the dimensions of diversity, the campus climate for minority students, mass media and the perpetuation of stereotypes in society, and effective communications and customer service.

Among those scheduled to participate with Penn College Police are the Williamsport Bureau of Police and Muncy Police, as well as departments from Penn State and Bucknell universities.

For more about the college, a national leader in applied technology education and workforce development, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.