BENNETTSVILLE —- This week, the Bennettsville Police Department [BPD] announced that as part of the department’s ongoing efforts to better protect and serve the residents of Bennettsville, two of its officers completed Hostage & Crisis Negotiations Training alongside law enforcement officers from agencies across South Carolina at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.
Lt. German and Detective Sessoms spent a week away from home learning how to more effectively communicate with someone in crisis by practicing active listening, behavioral influence, de-escalation, crisis intervention, and conflict resolution.
BPD Chief Sammy Crosland said, “I am extremely proud of Lt. German and Detective Sessoms, and I know our entire department shares that pride in their commitment to professional development.”
The department says this type of advanced training proves invaluable for officers when encountering individuals who are in crisis, volatile situations, or any type of circumstance where patience and effective communication could prevent escalation and save the day.
Crosland adds, “Hostage and crisis negotiation requires patience, empathy, active listening, sound judgement, and the ability to communicate effectively during some of the most difficult and unpredictable situations law enforcement encounters.”
German and Sessoms learned throughout their training that one of the most powerful tools on their belt is often not their gun or taser, but is instead their very human ability to simply take a moment to empathize and understand—to slow down and have a conversation.
“Effective crisis negotiation requires officers to listen before they speak, understand the person behind the crisis, build rapport, establish trust, and use communication to create opportunities for a peaceful resolution,” the BPD said about the in depth 40 hour training in a statement, adding, “We are all extremely proud of Lt. German and Detective Sessoms for their commitment to professional development and their willingness to invest the time and effort necessary to strengthen their capabilities. Congratulations to Lt. German and Detective Sessoms on this accomplishment. Your continued commitment to training, professionalism, and service represents the very best of the Bennettsville Police Department.”
Crosland says that as Chief, he is very proud to have officers who recognize the importance of continually improving their skills and preparing themselves to serve the community when people need the BPD the most.
“This training is an investment in our officers, our department, and ultimately the safety and well-being of the residents we proudly serve,” he said. “Lt. German and Detective Sessoms’ willingness to dedicate their time and effort into receiving this specialized training, strengthens not only their individual capabilities, but also the overall readiness of the Bennettsville Police Department.”