De-Escalation: Strategies for Best Possible Outcomes

In the wake of several high-profile encounters between police and citizens, there has been an increased demand for enhanced police training and reform, specifically on the topic of de- escalation. Unfortunately, de-escalation has been misrepresented and misunderstood by many in the community and the profession. What is de-escalation? How should it be trained to increase both public and officer safety?

How This Program Is Different Than Others

This course is founded upon empirical research that provides officers with tools and tactics intended to achieve the most desirable outcomes during law enforcement encounters. This course balances the need to effectively engage with people in crisis with the need for officers to keep themselves and others safe.

Principles of De-escalation

• De-escalation is an outcome – not a single tool or tactic.
• De-escalation is not something that can be forced upon someone. It’s a choice.
• De-escalation isn’t always appropriate – it’s dependent on the totality of the circumstances.

This course recognizes that de-escalation goes far beyond just effective communication skills, but rather takes a holistic approach to creating circumstances where people in crisis can be afforded the opportunity to de-escalate themselves, when time and conditions permit.