Different approaches to policing are being introduced and implemented – some require complicated models, technical skills, and some of the most cutting-edge technology. However, it is typically the foundational concepts that are employed at the grassroots level that still make the most difference. This webinar will demonstrate the power of actively caring and how it can change policing.

This session’s instructors are Bobby Kipper and E. Scott Geller. Bobby is the Executive Director and Founder of the National Center for the Prevention of Community Violence and a bestselling author with over four decades of experience in both the public and private sectors. Meanwhile, Scott is an Alumni Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech and Director of the Center for Applied Behavior Systems in the Department of Psychology who’s published numerous research articles and books addressing the development and evaluation of behavior-change interventions to improve quality of life.

Specifics of their discussion are on:

• How the Virginia Tech shooting and the events following the tragedy served as the impetus for creating the Actively Caring for People (AC4P) movement, and what actively caring is.
• The importance of employing more positive consequences to outweigh negative ones and how this can be a more effective approach to influence behavior change.
• The value of feedback in the AC4P model and viewing justice professionals’ work as that of providing community feedback.
• How the acronym C.O.A.C.H. drives behavior changes by demonstrating care and empathy as we observe, analyze, communicate with, and help the community members we serve.
• How the current social-political atmosphere places pressure on policing which impacts the culture within the profession and the professionals themselves.
• The experience of those working in the justice industry and what often becomes the pain point for them.
• The role of leaders and managers in organizations and setting the stage for the kind of culture that is established within.
• Inspiring self-accountability and self-motivation by providing choice, fostering competence and community.
• Concepts that we must believe in and embody to truly feel empowered.
• Some of the common issues that contradict the AC4P model which creates a disconnect between the organization/leadership and its workforce.
• How the culture and climate of the agency can make all the difference when it comes to retention of the workforce.
• The revision in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and how the addition of the self-transcendence stage alludes to actively caring.
• Practicing the platinum rule which emphasizes the importance of empathy when running organizations.
• Cultivating psychological safety in agencies by reflecting on the internal culture and the workforce’s sense of engagement and ability to challenge the status quo.
• Characteristics of leaders in great companies that highlight selflessness, empathy, and care and how anyone can lead the change towards an actively caring organization and community.
• The impact of the AC4P as observed in schools.
• How the S.T.E.P. wristbands serve as a reminder to practice actively caring and share acts of kindness to the world.

Questions from the audience are about:

• Managing empathy strain or compassion fatigue.
• Accessing the AC4P websites and resources and getting the S.T.E.P. wristbands.
• Finding the energy to actively care when one is burnt out from the demands of the career.
• Data showing the outcomes of adopting the Actively Caring program.

Webinars with this Speaker

• Aug 12: Spiritual Wellness for Criminal Justice Professionals 
• Sept 30: Actively Caring for People – Lessons for Criminal Justice Professionals (this webinar)

Resources and Handouts (Paid Links)

• • TedX Virginia Tech – The Psychology of Self-Motivation
  • Book: Actively Caring for People
  • Book: Good to Great by Jim Collins
  • Actively Caring for People Website: Source for wristbands, 50 Lessons To Enrich Your Life
  • Dr. Scott Geller Website

Audience Comments

• “I really enjoyed the specific examples of how to actively care for people and providing leadership when not in a supervisory position.” — Carrie
• “Treating others as they want to be treated. That message could be utilized much more often in this world! Thanks for reminding me I need to do my part!” — Brandy
• “What a great webinar. The quote that stuck with me “A leader can’t lead without empathy. That doesn’t work.” So relevant in my department right now. I’ll definitely be sharing and re-watching this again. Thank you!” — Francisca
• “Currently, we are coming to these conclusions in our agency and we are focusing on coaching and then trying to get culture change thru trainings for professional development however this webinar summed up a lot of what we are working thru in a very simple and motivating way! I found myself thinking, “Aha, this is exactly what we are skirting around but needed to put the two things together”! I keep bringing up that our retention is not about the money it’s about how people need to feel valued and supported.” — Gina
• “It was a really good webinar and a reminder to be kind and caring and spread the love. It was nice to see such caring presenters that are passionate about this subject.” — Karen
• “This webinar was full of valuable information. The speakers Bobby Kipper and Dr. Scott Geller were fantastic and I’m considering getting an individual JCH subscription just to have access to this recorded webinar!” — Tazman
• “I greatly enjoyed the webinar and wish it could have been longer. I am currently a graduate student in Counseling attempting to work my way into helping law enforcement. I would love to see information on counseling for officers and how we can really begin to break the barrier and stigma towards receiving it.” — Lindsey
• “Great presentation and loved the fact that this was about caring for others. That is what I feel all of need to do and that is what I have taught my children. As I said in the comment section, I have always told my children who are now adults, “When you come in contact with other people, make them feel better about themselves than before you had contact with them.” Thanks for the presentation and all you both do for others in the community.” — Marc