A training course on emergency communications for the scientific and pedagogical workers was held at Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs. The event was conducted by office workers of the Department of Strategic Communications of the PSU-2 programme (phase 2 of the Partnership for a Strong Ukraine programme).
The aim of the training course was to improve the professional capacity of participants by mastering them modern methods of effective communication in crisis situations. The event was conducted using the ‘train the trainer’ system for representatives of the scientific and pedagogical workers, and also included practical training for future law enforcement officers.
Viktor VASYLENKO, First Vice-Rector of the University, welcomed the participants and noted: ‘A modern law enforcement officer must not only be able to act professionally in a crisis, but also communicate effectively with citizens. The level of trust in the police and peace in society often depends on accurate, clear and timely information.’ He focused on the importance of communication in emergency situations in order to respond effectively to crisis events.
Anton KHARKOVETS, manager of the ‘Security and Protection of the Population’ project of the ‘Partnership for a Strong Ukraine’ programme, addressed the participants, emphasizing the relevance of the training topic.
The training sessions on the first day were conducted by Mariia SAHAIDAK, advisor on Strategic Communications, and Yuliia HALTSOVA, a specialist in the same field. They discussed the basic principles of communication in emergency situations, scenario planning methods, the principles of inclusive communication, and predicting people's behaviour in stressful circumstances. Participants practised emergency information strategies, methods of increasing public trust and improving the perception of police actions. Special attention was paid to interaction with sensitive audiences. The day ended with a practical session where participants were able to apply their newly acquired knowledge in simulated crisis situations.
On the second day, the educational seekers worked in small groups, practising their skills in crisis situations and communicating with representatives of sensitive groups.
As a result of the training, the scientific and pedagogical workers received trainer certificates, and the educational seekers received participant certificates. Representatives of the Foundation highly appreciated the level of training of KhNUIA and thanked them for their active cooperation.
Summing up, Viktor VASYLENKO emphasized that such training is an important part of training future law enforcement officers who are able to act professionally in crisis situations and maintain effective interaction between the police and society.
The training was attended by Nataliia NOVIKOVA, Head of the Department of Psychological Support of the Human Resources Department; Viktoriia DOTSENKO, Professor of the Department of Psychology, Sociology and Pedagogy; representatives of the Department of Tactical and Special Training of the University – Head of the Department Mykola BOROVYK, Senior Lecturer Oleksandr SKLIAR, Associate Professor Tykhin SHEVCHENKO, as well as Senior Researcher at the Research Laboratory on Legal Support for Police Activities and Crime Prevention Nataliia PRIBYTKOVA.
