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Host: Brian Willis, Deputy Executive Director, ILEETA

Guest: John Warin, Sergeant, Calgary Police Service

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the ILEETA Learning Lab podcast, Brian Willis interviews John Warin, a 20-year member of the Calgary Police Service and sergeant of the Skills and Procedures Team. John shares his experience and innovative approaches to transforming the Incident Command Training Program for the Calgary Police Service, emphasizing experiential learning, effective feedback, and continuous improvement through mentorship.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Introduction to the Topic:
   • The importance of adapting training programs to reflect real-world scenarios.
   • John Warin’s extensive experience in various roles.
2. Transforming the Incident Command Training Program:
   • Challenges faced with the traditional 40-hour lecture-based training.
   • Experiential learning and scenarios over theoretical lectures.
3. Program Design and Structure:
   • Breaking the course into two phases with practical application in the field.
   • Importance of incremental learning and spaced practice for better retention and application.
4. Role of Sergeant Mentors:
   • Identifying and training district sergeant mentors to provide consistent and engaged mentorship.
   • Benefits of having experienced mentors assess and provide feedback during training scenarios.
5. Experiential Learning and Scenario-Based Training:
   • Implementing short, focused scenarios to practice decision-making and critical thinking.
   • The value of asking guiding questions to facilitate self-discovery and cognitive development in trainees.
6. Feedback and Assessment:
   • The shift from complex, unrealistic scenarios to more manageable and relevant ones.
   • Using consistent scenarios for all trainees to ensure fairness and accurate assessment of skills.
7. Continuous Improvement and Real-World Application:
   • Gathering and integrating feedback from field practicums to refine and improve training.
   • Emphasizing the importance of adapting training methods to align with the evolving needs of law enforcement.

Key Takeaways:

• Effective incident command training requires a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical application.
• Consistent mentorship and constructive feedback are crucial for developing competent incident commanders.
• Continuous improvement and adaptation based on real-world experiences enhance the relevance and effectiveness of training programs.

Contact Information:

• ILEETA Membership Information: www.ileeta.org/members/
• Director of Operations, Jenny Merlin: [email protected]

Join the community of thousands of trainers committed to advancing law enforcement training. Visit ILEETA for more information.