From the Ground Up: Rebuilding an Outdated Training Program

Tuesday, August 4, 2026 | 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Ryan Niessner and Jeremy Sparks (Howard County Police Department 911)

Training programs can become outdated, inconsistent, redundant and ineffective over the years without constantly updating and revamping the required learning materials.

In order to stay fresh and up to date, it is important to continually update training materials, handouts, contacts, and seek feedback from those who use these materials on a daily basis. One key component in updating a training program is to build buy-in from employees. Increased employee involvement - by soliciting, listening and utilizing their feedback - in the restructuring of a training program will not only benefit employees but also new hires.

By updating an archaic training program that is inconsistent, not open or transparent, and lacks structure, we can empower our trainers to create better prepared trainees in the 9-1-1 environment.

Written by Amy Collins