Gordon Graham
Category: Public Safety
Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Today I’d like to talk with all my public safety friends about the importance of training.
You know, training is nothing new to first responders. Whether in college or the academy, you’ve all undergone training that enhanced your knowledge, skills, and abilities. After graduation, you probably spent some time in field training, learning the ropes while gaining valuable real-world experience.
What’s the cost of not being well informed on this topic?
And the learning didn’t stop there. Chances are you still complete many hours of continuing education training each year. Depending on your jurisdiction, state law, and local mandates, this comes in the form of classroom, virtual, or conference training events. Whatever the case, continuous improvement should be your mantra.
The fact is, you’re never too old to stop learning. And learning should be something you take seriously. No matter where you live or what agency you work for, new equipment, updated policies and procedures, and ever-changing case law all require training. Your job isn’t easy and good training can help.
But what about going to training just to check a box? We’ve all been there – attending a training session solely because some policy or regulation requires it. You sit through it, not because you want to, but because you must.
But listen, folks, maybe it’s worth rethinking your perspective about this type of training. It may not seem important right now, but could it be something that makes the difference between life and death? Right and wrong? Safe or unsafe? Just because it’s required doesn’t mean you can’t learn something valuable.
So, the next time you’re sitting through what seems like unimportant training, ask yourself this question: What’s the cost of not being well informed on this topic?
In public safety, you don’t often get second chances. Training makes you better. It bridges the gap between a knowledge deficit and technical proficiency. Stay informed and stay alive.
And that’s Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Until next time, Gordon Graham signing off.
