The Evolution of Police Training: An Interview with Lieutenant Smith & Lieutenant Hernandez
safercleveland
April 2, 2025
The Partnership for a Safer Cleveland recently had the opportunity to sit down with Lieutenant Shawn Smith, Officer in Charge of the Records Section and Lieutenant Jennifer Hernandez, Executive Officer of the Bureau of Support Services. Lt. Smith’s career spans almost 30 years with a deep experience in both police and military training, Both Lieutenants are incredibly passionate and open about enhancing police education, fostering community trust, and ensuring that officers are better equipped to handle real-world situations.
Training for Real-World Challenges
During our conversation, the Lieutenants emphasized how modern police training has evolved beyond classroom instruction. “You start by learning the laws and passing the test,” he said, “but each officer needs more critical thinking. The academy doesn’t always prepare officers for what they’ll face on the streets.”
To address this, Cleveland’s Police Academy has put more of an emphasis on real-world simulations that expose recruits to scenarios requiring problem-solving, de-escalation, and critical thinking. Lieutenant Smith stressed the importance of slowing down in high-stress situations. “Being able to slow down is very, very important,” he noted. “It gives officers time to assess situations and make better decisions.” These skills are learned and come from experiences, which our training programs are at the forefront of.
“Being able to slow down is very, very important,” he noted. “It gives officers time to assess situations and make better decisions.” These skills are learned and come from experience which our training programs are at the forefront of.”
Breaking Down Silos and Promoting Critical Thinking
Lieutenant Smith advocates for training that integrates multiple disciplines to prepare officers for the complexities of their work. “We’re working hard not to train in silos,” he explained. “We try to provide scenarios that combine all aspects of a situation to encourage critical thinking.” Today’s training is data-driven and community-informed, with feedback from residents helping to shape the curriculum. This approach helps officers understand the communities they serve and tailor their responses accordingly.
The Role of Technology in Modern Policing
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in police training and operations. Cleveland officers are trained to leverage tools like mobile CAD systems (Computer-Aided Dispatch) and body-worn cameras with 360-degree views. The division also uses a Learning Management System (LMS) to provide policy updates and allow officers to stay engaged with ongoing professional education.
“Police officers have to stay ahead of the curve,” Lieutenant Smith said. “Whether it’s learning how to use mobile CAD systems or understanding stress vests that help officers monitor high-stress situations, technology is helping officers make better decisions.”
Bridging the Gap Between Police & Community
Both Lieutenants highlighted the importance of building trust between officers and the communities they serve. One innovative approach that’s gained traction is the reverse ride-along, where recruits visit neighborhoods and engage directly with residents. “One of Cleveland‘s DCs, Deputy Chief Fay, has been a big advocate of this,” Lieutenant Smith said. “Bringing in the community and taking recruits to meet the people they serve—breaking bread with them—helps build real trust.”
A key takeaway from these efforts is a simple but powerful shift in perception. “I’d love to hear people say, ‘Those are our police officers,’ instead of ‘those are the police,’” Lieutenant Smith shared. “That one word—our—makes all the difference and something that I strive to convey in my trainings and how I approach our community.”
“I’d love to hear people say, ‘Those are our police officers,’ instead of ‘those are the police,’” Lieutenant Smith shared. “That one word—our—makes all the difference and something that I strive to convey in my trainings and how I approach our community.”
Continuous Learning and Exceeding Standards
To be blunt, police training never stops. “Continuous professional education is mandated, and it happens all the time,” both Lieutenants explained. In addition to state-mandated training, Cleveland Police exceeds those requirements, currently providing well over 1,200 hours of training annually, compared to the state’s 740-hour mandate.
The Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) sets forth the minimum training requirements for certification of Ohio Peace Officers. When the Commission was formed in 1965, the minimum training consisted of 120 hours of instruction. By 1973, it increased to 240 hours, and in 1987, it increased to 632 hours. As of today, it is now 740 hours.
Law Enforcement agencies throughout Ohio, including the Cleveland Division of Police, provide instruction above the minimum required by the OPOTC. Cleveland, for example, provides a 7 1/2 months training academy that provides instruction on topics unique to the city of Cleveland. Examples include General Police Orders, Civil Service Rules, Manual of Rules and Regulations, etc.
From scenario-based field training to mandated online learning through the Academy’s LMS, officers are constantly updating their skills. Additionally, the Consent Decree with the Department of Justice ensures ongoing reviews and improvements in training protocols. It is a necessary layer of review and responsibility that all officers must be aware and adhere to.
Looking into the Future
Lieutenant Smith’s commitment to improving training and building stronger community relationships reflects a deep understanding of public safety’s evolving landscape. His work ensures that Cleveland police officers are better prepared, more empathetic, and equipped to navigate the challenges of modern law enforcement.
As the Partnership for a Safer Cleveland continues its mission to strengthen public safety through collaboration, we are proud to highlight the work of leaders like Lieutenant Smith and Lieutenant Hernandez. Their vision and dedication remind us that true safety comes from well-trained officers who are dedicated to their neighbors’ needs, engaged communities that are open to relationships with police, and a commitment to continuous learning by all.
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