The Swampscott Police Department will be hosting two community-focused training sessions during the first week of July. 

In partnership with Police2Peace, the department will offer in-person training to introduce the community to the Peace Officer Project and the Peace Officer Promise. The sessions aim to build trust, deepen understanding and foster a shared vision between law enforcement and the community. 

The first session, on Tuesday, July 1, will be for the community. The second training, on Wednesday, July 2, is for elected and appointed municipal leaders. Both will be held at Swampscott High School in room B129. 

“Given the timeliness of events going on nationwide, we feel this is the perfect opportunity to remind the public about our commitment that mirrors the medical profession’s hippocratic oath,” Police Chief Ruben Quesada said. “As ‘Peace Officers’ we pledge to do no harm to the community, and broader communities, that we serve.”

The Peace Officer framework is a national model that emphasizes effective, empathetic and just policing. There is a focus on reducing harm while protecting the public. 

Training for officers and deputies to become Peace Officers includes a four hour “realizing the true purpose of policing” session. The program explores the current state of policing, its historical context, ongoing reform efforts and how the Peace Office model is applied in practice.

On Tuesday, July 1, patrol officers will attend a full-day session from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A community session will follow at 6:30 p.m., lasting for about an hour, depending on audience engagement. 

“Community participants will learn about the evolving challenges in policing, the cultural progression within agencies, and how local residents can be involved in co-producing public safety,” Quesada said. “This is more than a presentation–it’s a conversation with our community.”

Police supervisors receive similar training over an eight-hour course, which includes discussions on reform challenges, organizational change and scenario-based analysis.

The training on Wednesday, July 2  will be for patrol supervisors only from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Then elected officials and town leaders are invited to attend the one-hour training at 6:30 p.m.

Through the Peace Officer Promise, the department publicly pledges to “do everything in their power to protect the community without causing unintended harm,” according to Quesada.

To register, email mdeiulis@swampscottpolice.com. 

Residents are also encouraged to fill out a survey to provide their feedback on public safety in general. The survey is open through June 30, and it is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NKXL2DQ.