Going 'Beyond the Badge' with the Rochester Police Department

The program is a partnership between RPD and several other area organizations to better understand calls that involve calls that involve those with disabilities.

Thank you.

New for you on daybreak.

Police officers have been under scrutiny in recent months given the state of the nation right now.

For the last couple years... the rochester police department has worked hard to try and change that narrative.

Now, kimt news 3's madelyne watkins is learning about a program r?

"*p?

"* d do called "beyond the badge" .

Madelyne?

Brooke.

Overall, it's creating relationships... which is important to rpd.

Today... two officers are spending the day at a group home with "bear creek services" to hopefully better understand what to do if they respond to a call there in the future.

Some people aren't always confident when it comes to interacting with people who have disabilities... but the officers are there to help you no matter what.

"it doesn't matter what you have, you're rich, you're poor, it just doesn't matter.

We're going to treat you equally with respect and dignity."

Officers tan and alexander will learn first hand how to properly help people with disabilities while they're on the job.

On wednesday... the newest rochester officers met with "bear creek serives" to have a conversation about how they can build their relationship.

They learned that communication is key, having patience goes a long way and understanding the roles that "the main thing that i wanna learn is the perspective of the home that we're going into.

If i can sort of step into the shoes of the staff, the caretakers and stuff like that, and see what sort of people are living in the home.

With that perspective, that can greater improve our response if we respond to that address or something similar of how do i need to approach this?

Because everybody, every house, every situation needs to be approached differently."

So officers alexander and tan will take what they learn today from the group home and share it with the rest of the police department.

Then tomorrow, the team will have a presentation discussing their main takeaways thank you madelyne.

Along with bear creek services... r?

"*p?*d is working with minnesota adult and teen challenge, the women's shelter and support center, the salvation army and hope fuse