The Office on Violence Against Women has graciously funded scholarships to trainers who currently train law enforcement officers on topics related to violence against women: domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking.
Click to view scholarship details and application. This program has been suspended. At this time, applications are not being accepted. If you would like to be put on a waiting list in the event the program is reinitiated, please contact Michael Rizzo at Rizzo@theiacp.org.
The first Trainer Development Program was held from March 20-22, 2007 in Philadelphia, PA.
The second Trainer Development Program was held on February 5-8, 2008 in Charleston, SC.
The third Trainer Development Program was held from June 13-16, 2009 in Portland, Maine
The Trainer Development Program will help law enforcement trainers increase the effectiveness of violence against women training provided to officers. In addition to presenting up-to-date information on law enforcement’s response to violence against women crimes, the Trainer Development Program will address the following areas:
These components will be addressed as they relate to training on the crimes of violence against women, specifically domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. In addition, the Trainer Development Program curriculum will address related training issues such as firearms, protection orders, investigative technology, and victim rights. Trainers will learn to assess the needs of their audience and the realities of their teaching environment, so they can design trainings (i.e. roll call, in-service, etc.) accordingly.
Effectively Reaching a Law Enforcement Audience
Trainers need to be able to develop their own law enforcement presentations as well as evaluate the effectiveness of the training they deliver. The Trainer Development Program will enable trainers to:
- Identify the needs and learning styles of audiences and adjust training accordingly
- Incorporate adult learning principles into educational presentations
- Utilize technology to conduct self-evaluations and receive feedback on presentations
- Design an evaluation form to assess aspects of training delivery and participant performance that can help improve future presentations
Experience as a Teaching Tool
In order to learn effectively, adults must be able to apply their learned knowledge in practical, hands-on ways that reflect the realities of their work experience. Trainers will be shown how to best engage learners by:
- Incorporating learning exercises into training events
- Finding innovative methods of engaging participants
- Selecting appropriate forms of experiential and hands-on learning exercises
Classroom Management
Instructors must have the ability to actively and effectively engage audiences in the educational process. During the Trainer Development Program, trainers will improve their ability to:
- Facilitate small and large group discussions
- Manage time efficiently
- Recognize and respond to verbal and nonverbal communications
- Identify cultural differences and overcome stereotypes or personal biases
- Deal with challenging individuals and group dynamics
Technology and Training Tips
The knowledge and correct use of technology has become an increasingly important element of effective training in recent years. Utilizing technology properly, along with other strategies to make trainings more effective, is key to a successful presentation. In the Trainer Development Program, trainers will learn to:
- Identify various types of equipment that can enhance a presentation
- Design and employ visual aids in the classroom effectively
- Understand the benefits and drawbacks of using various modes of technology
- Troubleshoot and overcome technology mishaps
- Identify “Ten Trainer Pitfalls” and learn how to avoid them
- Develop concrete strategies for improving trainer style, delivery of training, and classroom management
Organization and Preparation
Organization and preparation are critical to effective instruction. A successful trainer must possess the ability to design and utilize practical educational tools for the classroom. During this segment, trainers will learn to:
- Assess agency or audience needs in order to develop appropriate learning objectives
- Develop realistic goals, learning objectives, and lesson plans for topic-specific trainings
- Determine course content and structure course layout
- Identify and incorporate useful instructional tools and resources
- Evaluate and enhance curriculum, handouts, and training agendas
- Manage training logistics, including pre-event planning and consultant contracts
For more information, contact Michael Rizzo at Rizzo@theiacp.org or 800-843-4227 ext. 818