Towards Soulful Policing: Advancing Human Rights Awareness Among Dispatchers and 911 Operators

• In Event: Navigating Contemporary Societal Dynamics: From Professionalism to Stigma Contests

Abstract

This presentation and manuscript in progress, "Towards Soulful Policing: Advancing Human Rights Awareness Among Dispatchers and 911 Operators," stems from extensive research and practical engagement with law enforcement agencies. Focusing on the critical yet often overlooked roles of dispatchers and 911 operators, this study addresses the pressing need to integrate human rights principles into their training and daily practices. The purpose of the research is twofold: firstly, to examine the existing gaps in human rights awareness among dispatchers and operators, and secondly, to propose strategies for enhancing their understanding and application of human rights in emergency response situations and calls for service. Drawing upon experiences in my training programs with police officers, dispatchers, and operators, the study assesses current practices and attitudes towards human rights. Major findings reveal both challenges and opportunities in integrating human rights into dispatch protocols and operator responses. The interpretations and conclusions drawn underscore the necessity of prioritizing human rights training within law enforcement agencies, ultimately aiming to foster a more compassionate and ethical approach to policing in the 21st century.

Author

• Peter Marina, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse