WVC Speaks Lecture Series presents “Police Culture and Understanding the Need for Dialogue” on May 5

Media Contacts: Randy Mitchell, education and career planning director, 509.682.6858, or Libby Siebens, executive director community relations, 509.682.6436 (Mon. – Thurs.)

April 20, 2016

Wenatchee Valley College Criminal Justice faculty Robert Smet will present “Police Culture and Understanding the Need for Dialogue” at the next WVC Speaks Lecture Series event. The lecture is Thursday, May 5, at 2 p.m. in McArthur Lecture Hall, Wenatchi Hall room 2105 and via interactive television on the WVC at Omak campus in Heritage Building room 901.

Smet will discuss the concept of police cultures and subcultures and how they affect the community’s perception of police. He argues that many of the concerns with police today can be resolved through dialogue, but not between the police and community—the police need to have their own dialogue to resolve and take responsibility for their goals and values, which are often misguided and part of their traditions. Change is difficult but possible and necessary in order to maintain the community’s trust.

“I began my work at WVC to help local citizens become educated and competitive for the jobs in our local criminal justice industry,” Smet said. “I believe it is important to shape young people and influence them to become their best and to make the needed changes in our law enforcement, corrections and court systems.”

Smet has taught at WVC for eight years. Prior to that, he worked for 30 years in the Wenatchee Police Department as a corrections officer and police officer. He has served as a patrol officer, investigator and gang officer, and he has been a medical death investigator for the National Disaster Medical Systems (NDMS) since 2006.

Daily parking passes on the Wenatchee campus cost $2. Parking permit machines are available in the Wells Hall/Music and Art Gallery, Smith Gym, Brown Library and Sexton Hall lots. Students must have valid WVC parking permits.

WVC Speaks is sponsored by the WVC Professional Development Committee.