What should SORA officers prioritize in their training for public interactions?

SORA officers should prioritize skills for effective communication and empathy in their training for public interactions due to the critical role these skills play in maintaining a safe and respectful environment. Effective communication encompasses the ability to convey information clearly and to listen actively, which are essential in de-escalating potentially volatile situations and understanding the needs of the public. Empathy allows officers to connect with individuals on a human level, fostering trust and cooperation, which are vital in any security role.

Additionally, focusing on communication and empathy helps officers to manage conflicts more effectively without resorting to force, ensuring that all interactions are handled professionally and respectfully. Such skills not only enhance public safety but also support a positive image of security officers in the community, aligning with the overall mission of ensuring safety through collaboration and understanding. This approach is much more beneficial and aligned with SORA principles than the other options, which do not address the importance of interpersonal interactions in a security context.