0001 - Situation Table Training

Course Description

The Centre for Public Safety and Well-Being is proud to present this Situation Table learning package designed for police services and community partners who are considering risk-driven collaborative interventions to increase community safety and well-being.

These training modules, videos, manual and resources were made possible by the generous support of the Ontario Proceeds of Crime grant from the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, and with the guidance of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Safety Services. A warm thank you also to Public Safety Canada for funding the French language translation of this training that is also now available.

What is a Situation Table?

A situation table is a strategic alliance of human services, guided by common principles and processes in order to mitigate risk situations in a timely manner, usually within 24-48 hours. The term "table" highlights that it is a meeting, which convenes regularly, with police and other human service professionals from a variety of organizations. During a Situation Table, participants work together to review situations of acutely elevated risk (AER) and determine if an individual is at imminent risk of harm and victimization and then coordinate interventions to reduce them. By addressing situations of AER, the table works collaboratively to reduce multiple risk factors that increase the likelihood that someone within a community will experience harm and victimization.

The Situation Table involves a four-filter process to determine if situations meet AER threshold, guide decision-making of whether or not to share private and confidential information, and if collaborative intervention is necessary to mitigate risk:

• Filter 1: Internal Agency Screening
• Filter 2: De-identified Information
• Filter 3: Limited Identified information
• Filter 4: Planned Intervention

Course Outline

• Start date: Continuous.
• Delivery: Online.
• Language: English and French.
• Who: Open (Intended for police services and community service agencies but anyone may participate).
• Fee: No charge.
• Certificate of completion: Yes.
• Languages available: English and French

After gaining access, you will have 30 days to complete the five modules. Each e-module should take you approximately 10 minutes and concludes with a summative quiz consisting of multiple choice, true/false or matching questions. You must successfully complete all five quizzes in order to receive your certificate of completion. The training modules are complemented by a manual as well as interactive videos and resources to support you on your journey.

Training Modules
The modules are designed to guide you through the Situation Table four-filter process if you are considering implementing one in your area. The training modules utilize case studies, activities and quizzes to help you engage with the content and to apply and assess what you have learned.

Videos
Videos are utilized throughout the training modules to support the content that you are learning and to help demonstrate how the Situation Table functions. The videos utilize members from existing Situation Tables to show the Situation Table four filters as well as additional personal perspectives on the Situation Table process and examples of difficult cases.

Manual
The Situation Table Manual was written by Hugh Russell, community justice consultant.

The manual is intended to provide details beyond the training and to be used as a reference guide for situation table attendees as they move ahead with their meetings or encounter different situations. Chapters include:

• Overview of Situation Tables
• Communication Strategy
• Site Selection
• Partner Identification and Engagement
• Detachment Preparation
• Agency Preparation
• Standards, Agreements and Protocols
• Collaborative Context for Situation Tables
• Other Resources

Throughout the modules you will be provided with handy resources and summaries of what you have learned that you can utilize when implementing a Situation Table. Additional resources include:

• Internal Agency Screening Questions
• Acutely Elevated Risk Threshold
• Risk and Protective Factors
• Planned Intervention Key Points
• Professional Standards
• Conclusion Reasons for Situation Table

Learner Outcomes

Upon completion of the learning package, participants should have the skills to:

• Demonstrate a broad understanding of the value and use of Situation Tables.
• Recognize and identify risk factors and protective factors.
• Understand Acutely Elevated Risk (AER) and determine when a situation does or does not meet the threshold.
• Recognize privacy legislation, information sharing and limits to confidentiality as it related to Situation Tables.
• Develop knowledge of the processes involved in Situation Table intervention planning.

Notes

Testimonials

"These kinds of initiatives move away from the old one-size-fits-all approach and allow communities to identify their risks, mobilize the proper resources, and proactively and collaboratively make their communities safer.”

Yasir Naqvi, Attorney General and previous Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services