As part of training in anti-bullying tactics, educators in New Jersey are learning police interrogation techniques, NJ Spotlight reports.
Hundreds of teachers and administrators—most of whom were designated as anti-bullying specialists at their schools—took part in training sessions this spring, with similar sessions slated for the fall.
Some of the training sounded innocuous:
Lengthy PowerPoint presentations offered tips on how to talk with students of all ages and how to interpret their words and body language. There was also step-by-step guidance on how to interpret the state’s new bullying law and what classifies a fight between two kids as a potential bullying incident.
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But, NJ Spotlight reports, the attendees were also "getting lessons in police interrogation techniques." An outside expert included a New Jersey State Police sergeant, and there were sessions
that included detailed investigation and "interview" techniques. (One suggestion: never use the word “interrogation.”)
"There are certain investigative techniques that are useful that a counselor or even an administrator may never have learned,” said David Nash, coordinator for LEGAL ONE, which conducted the trainings along with the state Department of Education.
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