Police Departments Get Customer Service Training From Chik-fil-A

Suffolk, VA – The latest officers to join the Suffolk Police Department (SPD) got their customer service training from Chik-fil-A.

Suffolk police announced a partnership with the fast-food chicken restaurant famous for having super-friendly staff on Nov. 19 on the police department’s official Facebook page.

“On November 16, 2020, Suffolk Police Department partnered with Chick-fil-A to conduct customer service training to our new officers who are attending post academy training,” the department introduced the new training program.

“Team members from Chick-fil-A conducted a course of instruction on how to field and resolve complaints and how to remain professional in high stress situations,” the post explained. “This training inspires SPD officers to continue to provide law enforcement excellence through partnership with the community. Thank you to the Chick-fil-A team members who participated!”

But Suffolk police aren’t the only department who has looked to popular fast-food chain for guidance.

Charleston police officials reached out to Chik-fil-A for help in September after an audit of the police department found deficiencies in how its officers treated minorities, The Post and Courier reported.

Virginia-based CNA conducted a four-year review of traffic stops, use of force, recruitment, hiring, promotions, personnel practices, and the complaint process and determined the department needed major reforms.

Charleston Police Chief Luther Reynolds explained why his police department was looking for guidance from a chicken restaurant.

“The reason being is their very high success rate with interpersonal skills, exemplary development of employees, and their approach to problem-solving,” Chief Reynolds told The Post and Courier.

“There’s a lot of parallels from what they do and what we do,” the police chief said.

Chik-fil-A is known for its hospitality and friendly service.

For example, employees respond to thanks with “my pleasure” rather than the more-common “you’re welcome,” The Post and Courier reported.

Charleston police were also exploring other public-private partnerships and have tasked Charleston Police Sergeant Eric Light with creating a leadership training program for all ranking officers in the department.