The leon county sheriff's office will use FY24 safer outcomes funding to deliver curriculum developed from data gathered from encounters and interactions between citizens and lcso deputies

The Leon County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) was awarded a $349,635 Project Grant under the Public Safety Partnership and Community Policing Grants program (CFDA 16.710) from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS). The grant funding will be used to develop and deliver advanced de-escalation training curriculum for LCSO deputies, incorporating techniques that focus on understanding and addressing the root causes of confrontational behavior. The training will include brain chemistry and anatomy components to promote empathetic and informed responses by officers. This training aims to strengthen LCSO's commitment to serving the community through non-adversarial means and improve community perceptions of law enforcement, fostering a more collaborative and supportive relationship. The project will be implemented from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2026.

Data collection sources include the computer-aided dispatching (CAD) system, lcso's response to resistance reporting system, lcso's video evidence (body-worn camera) collection and storage system, employee management databases, and member questionnaires. This training incorporates advanced DE-escalation techniques that center on understanding and addressing the root causes of confrontational behavior, aligning with the principles of community-oriented policing, which emphasize trust, mutual respect, and collaboration between law enforcement and community members. By equipping deputies with these vital skills, lcso strengthens its commitment to serving the community through non-adversarial means. The training also includes brain chemistry and anatomy components, giving officers a better understanding of human behavior and reactions and promoting empathetic and informed responses. As deputies apply these techniques successfully, community perceptions of law enforcement are expected to improve, fostering a more collaborative and supportive relationship. This enhancement of DE-escalation capabilities will significantly contribute to lcso's mission of ensuring public safety while building stronger community ties and trust.