Before the Badge: Grounding Recruits in Community, Wellness, and Relational Policing

Sunday, October 15, 2023

12:15 PM – 1:15 PM PST

Location: Room: 5AB

Submitter and Speaker(s)

Rebecca Boatright, PhD, J.D.

Executive Director of Risk Management & Legal Affairs
Seattle Police Department, Washington
Seattle, Washington, United States

Speaker(s)

Kim Bogucki

Detective (Ret.)
Seattle Police Department, Washington
Seattle, Washington, United States
Victoria Beach

Chair
African-American Advisory Council
Seattle, Washington, United States
Adrian Diaz

Chief of Police
Seattle Police Department, Washington
Seattle, Washington, United States

Before the Badge (BTB), launched in May 2022, immerses all Seattle Police Department (SPD) recruits in community-based, peer-based, and introspective experiences that will provide them both a lens through which to receive their eventual BLEA training and a foundation upon which to build their careers as Seattle police officers. Grounded in principles of relational policing, officer wellness, and collaboration, BTB brings recruits together in honest dialogue with Seattle’s diverse communities, department colleagues, and city leaders and reflects SPD’s commitment that its officers provide a safe and supportive culture in which to grow and serve. This panel discussion will offer lessons learned and opportunities to implement similar programs in other departments.