Implicit Bias Training

The Alexandria Police Department recently hosted training sessions on Implicit Bias Training for Law Enforcement Professionals. The course was taught by representatives of the Anti-Defamation League. Captain Scott Kent invited me to attend, and I had no idea what to expect.

The training room was full that morning with officers from Alexandria and from sheriff’s offices and police departments in the region. It was apparent that many of the officers and deputies knew each other well. I saw that Chief Rick Wyffels was sitting in the front row of tables. During the course introduction, Captain Kent told us that parts of the discussions that morning may make us uncomfortable.

The instructors led us through discussions, some personal reflections, and in exercises that helped bring out an understanding of this issue. With colored markers in hand, we moved around the room publicly sharing our backgrounds and thoughts on sheets of paper taped to the walls. There was occasional humor, and then it was back to business.

The final exercise for the class was to work in small groups to review an incident while looking for bias—both implicit and explicit—and develop a plan for how to handle what was happening. With each small group reporting back to the class, it was impressive to see how seriously they took the training, and their level of professionalism.

I thank Chief Wyffels and Captain Kent for allowing me to sit in and attend the class. To sponsor a class of this quality, on this topic, at this time, taught by instructors from the Anti-Defamation League, was impressive. Captain Kent said some of the evaluations from the previous day’s class indicated officers thought the course should have been longer.

Up next: A New Training Opportunity

Stay safe,
Rob