COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) -Before South Carolina law enforcement officers head into communities, they must complete a rigorous 12-week basic training program at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.

The academy trains roughly 1,000 cadets each year, and its curriculum has evolved significantly in recent years. Instructors now place greater emphasis on communication, de-escalation and appropriate use of force.

“A lot of people think a police weapon is a gun or some defensive tactics tool,” said Jackie Swindler, director of the academy. “But really, your voice and your words are your best weapons, so we spend a lot of time trying to teach that.”

Instructor Scottie Frier echoed that sentiment, noting that officers can often avoid physical confrontations through effective communication.

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