Clark State Community College will host diversity and awareness training for officers from the Clark County Sheriff’s Department on Wednesday, September 9, beginning at 8 a.m. in the Brinkman Educational Center, 100 South Limestone Street. The training is a collaboration between Clark State, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and the Springfield Chapter of the NAACP. It will cover numerous topics based around building a culture of respect.

In a statement released to officers and community partners, Clark County Sheriff Gene Kelly said law enforcement officers across the nation are facing escalating tensions and challenges and their work is too important to remain passive regarding their commitment to fair, safe and respectful public service.

Eric Ellis from Integrity Development in Cincinnati will conduct the training. Each session may also include civilian members of the community and other law enforcement agencies. The 8-hour, mandatory training course is a shift from traditional diversity training, placing a greater emphasis on establishing mutual respect among all personnel and with those in the community.

As sheriff, Kelly said he is committed to ensuring officers receive the finest preparation possible to continue strengthening their ability to maintain a safe environment for themselves and those they serve.

“This has been a very difficult year for law enforcement,” said Kelly. “This course will cause us to reflect on our values and mission, as we serve and work with our neighbors here in Clark County.”

Registration for the training will open at 7:30 a.m. There is no cost.