West Virginia implements statewide emotional intelligence training for law enforcement

In an effort to enhance community interactions and decision-making among law enforcement officers, TalentSmartEQ has implemented a statewide emotional intelligence (EQ) training programme for over 4,500 police officers in West Virginia, USA. 

Project EQ, is designed to equip officers with the skills necessary to manage their emotions and empathise with the public, to develop a culture of understanding and resilience.

Project EQ results from a collaborative effort between TalentSmartEQ, Mountain State Educational Services Cooperative (ESC), and local law enforcement agencies. Senator Joe Manchin secured $892,000 in funding for the programme through a Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) Request within the 2023 Federal Omnibus Appropriations package. 

“West Virginia’s government, community, and law enforcement leaders are already seeing results,” said Errol Randle, a retired police veteran and strategic director of law enforcement for the Mountain State ESC. 

“We’ve experienced a significant reduction in both use of force incidents and misconduct complaints among officers. This marks a revolutionary chapter in history, where emotional intelligence training is the spark to improving citizen interactions and police-community relations.”

The primary goal of Project EQ is to improve the capabilities of law enforcement officers and strengthen the trust between police and the communities they serve. By incorporating emotional intelligence training into police academies and continuing education programmes, West Virginia aims to set a precedent for other states to follow. West Virginia hopes to pave the way for police emotional intelligence training, setting an example for other states to follow.

TalentSmartEQ’s emotional intelligence training is also being piloted in 13 prisons across the United States.

Dr Gregory Campbell, TalentSmartEQ trainer and vice president of law enforcement and government, highlighted the benefits of EQ training for law enforcement officers. With over 25 years of experience as a federal agent, Dr Campbell emphasised the importance of managing emotions in high-pressure situations.

“As law enforcement gains the skills to manage their own emotions while empathising with others, officers are better equipped to de-escalate heated situations, improving outcomes,” said Dr Campbell. “Project EQ enhances job performance and builds healthier homes by reducing conflict, reactive emotions, and police force divorce rates.”