Legal issues, emergency-response driver training, diversity and many other topics were rehashed as Cleveland Police Department officers completed their 40 hours of continuing in-service training requirements this week.

Lt. Tim Winder and officer Evie Lastra headed the groups as they went over new and old legalities regarding police business.

Some 89 Peace Officer Standards Training certified members of the CPD studied Spanish and Cultural Diversity as well.

“We take officers on a journey through Latin America by teaching cultural diversity with a focus on Latin culture,” said West.

The two-hour course is vital due to the influx of Latinos migrating to this area, according to West.

“Officers learned about the difference between ethnic identity and social identity and learned about Latin culture and customs. These classes relating to different customs and cultures are important in this day in age. Our country is a melting pot and our responsibility is to the human being regardless of ethnicity,” she said.

Officers also participated in an hour-long Spanish class and are required to participate in practical exercises.

Other issues discussed during the training included dealing with people who have mental health issues as well as several facets of defensive tactics.

“We went to the firing range and practiced a number of scenarios including night and daytime possibilities and situations and positions an officer might face someday,” said West.

All of the officers were reminded of the Threat Continuum, which is used in a situation where an arrest needs to be made.

Domestic situations are one of the most prominent calls received by police and as an arrest is assessed, sometimes perpetrators will present danger to themselves, their victims and officers.

The threat continuum is utilized to assess the level of the threat by:

n Officer presence and verbal command.

n Use of Taser.

n Use of pepper spray.

n Physical contact.

n Lethal force.

The continuum is in procedural order.

“Through continuing requirement and training, we want to give officers the best possible ways how to handle real-time and real-life situations,” said Winder, “It’s all good.”