Multi-Site Virtual Training for Pretrial Supervision Officers in Indiana

• In Event: A New Model of Intentional Pretrial Supervision: Development, Implementation, and Multi-Site Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Effective implementation of any intervention depends on the ability and capacity of trained staff to deliver the intervention with fidelity. Virtual training is an attractive option that can help researchers reduce costs, especially in multi-site research where staff are geographically dispersed. However, despite the shift toward virtual modalities (e.g., Zoom) post-COVID, researchers have little guidance on best practices for virtual training. We leveraged empirical research in the educational and training literature to develop a 2-day virtual training across ten Indiana pretrial agencies. Our approach emphasized preparing officers for training, developing officer motivation, encouraging officer engagement, and reinforcing training material. Prior to training, we ensured officers had necessary materials and held office hours to address technological bugs or concerns. We also administered a pre-training survey to gauge challenges officers face in current pretrial practices, which guided development of officer motivation. Throughout training, officers roleplayed each component of the intervention and received personalized feedback on ways they could incorporate the intervention into their pretrial appointments. Following training, officers completed post-training feedback surveys and were given access to a SharePoint “Resource Center” with all training materials. This virtual training approach may advance the limited literature base and guide future cost-effective multi-site research.

Authors

• Mindy Thai, George Mason University

• Peyton Frye, George Mason University

• Hillary Hartoin, Cass County Court and Pretrial Services

• Anna Shen Knes, George Mason University

• Evan Marie Lowder, George Mason University