Lakeland Police Set to Host Controversial Training Banned in Nine States

Lakeland, USA - The Lakeland Police Department is making headlines with its decision to host a controversial training program by Street Cop Training this coming August. Titled „Pro-Active Patrol Tactics,“ the program is set to be taught by Dennis Benigno, the founder and CEO of Street Cop Training. However, the program has a cloud hanging over it, as it has been banned in nine states due to accusations of teaching inappropriate tactics and glorifying violence, as noted by The Ledger.

This development comes after a comprehensive 43-page report from the New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller. It concluded that the training undermines constitutional policing, leading to some serious concerns about its implications for law enforcement practices. Former Edgewater Police Officer Daniel Rippeon, who once undertook the training, even resigned following an incident where aggressive tactics were implemented during an arrest. Lakeland itself has faced public scrutiny regarding its officers‘ aggressive approaches over the past three years.

The Training Landscape

Chief Sam Taylor, acknowledging the criticism, stated that the department evaluates training opportunities based on community standards and a strong commitment to constitutional policing. The upcoming event marks the first time the Lakeland PD will host this training, though it is noteworthy that six officers had previously attended the 2024 Street Cop Training conference in Kissimmee. Interestingly, other local agencies, including the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, have not participated in any training programs from this organization.

While currently no Lakeland officers are signed up for the August training, the department stands to benefit from incentives for hosting it. The course, priced at $299 per student, offers a complimentary registration for every ten participants. Topics are expected to cover kindness, compassion, case law application, and legal steps for police officers—elements Chief Taylor emphasized as essential for preparing officers to respond effectively and ethically in high-stakes situations.

Broader Training Context

Looking at the bigger picture, it’s important to consider how police training has evolved in recent years. NCBI emphasizes that modern policing cannot rely solely on traditional legal knowledge and physical skills. Officers now require cognitive, emotional, social, and moral skills to engage effectively with their communities. The current model of police training is criticized for inadequately preparing officers to confront the realities of modern law enforcement, which includes managing public scrutiny and stress effectively.

Moreover, a standardized approach to training across academies remains elusive, varying greatly by state and curriculum. Research indicates that effective trainings incorporate various methods, blending lectures with practical applications to enhance learning and job performance. In light of this, calls for a shift towards adult-learning theories aim to address the disconnect between traditional paramilitary recruiting approaches and community-oriented policing.

With the upcoming training in Lakeland, will this institution set a precedent for how police departments adapt to these evolving standards, or will it continue to draw criticism? The conversations surrounding police training are complex and multi-faceted, but one thing’s for sure—how law enforcement prepares officers today could shape their reputation tomorrow.