This course was developed by the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association
in cooperation with the MSA Jail Standardized Training Committee
This course is eligible for one (1) hour of Certified Continuing Education
MN POST # 09053-0574
Course Overview:
“Cultural Diversity and Multi-Cultural Communication in a Corrections Setting” is designed to help understand and appreciate some of cultural differences of those incarcerated. Members of the community share with us their background, experiences and thoughts on cultural diversity.
Course Objectives:
- To develop cultural competence and cultural responsiveness
- To recognize communication styles of various cultures
- To manage situations and respond appropriately
- To respect people in your care by learning the PRIZE method
Instructor: Matt Luitjens, Scott County Sheriff’s Office
Matt Luitjens began his career as a Military Police Officer in the National Guard. He served ten years as a MP before his work at a private prison, where he was a member of the Special Operations Response Team (SORT). Matt transitioned to county corrections in 2007 when he joined the Scott County Sheriff’s Office as a correctional officer. From 2010-2012 Matt served as the training officer until his promotion to Sergeant in 2012. Since then Matt has served as the Training Sergeant for the Jail.
Matt is a member of the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association Jail Standardized Training Committee. He was certified by the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association to instruct Cultural Diversity, Report Writing, Inmate Con Games, STG’s, PREA, and Searches in 2010. He was also certified in 2012 as a Pressure Point Control Tactics Defensive Tactics instructor. In 2013, Matt was certified as a Law Enforcement Fitness Specialist through the Cooper Institute. In 2016 he was certified by PepperBall Inc. as an instructor/armorer and most recently, he was certified as a Corrections Emergency Repose Team (CERT) instructor by Black Tiger Tactical and lead the CERT team for the Jail.
Matt attended the University of Minnesota – Duluth and earned his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Rasmussen College in 2015.
