Process of De-Escalation (LE)

This 16-hour course is designed to equip law enforcement professionals with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to effectively de-escalate tense or potentially violent encounters. Through scenario-based training, classroom instruction, and guided discussion, participants will explore the legal, ethical, and tactical foundations of de-escalation. The course emphasizes communication techniques, emotional intelligence, critical decision-making, and officer safety, with a focus on preserving life, building community trust, and reducing use of force incidents. Participants will engage in interactive learning that reinforces the importance of slowing situations down, recognizing behavioral cues, and applying practical tools to resolve situations peacefully whenever possible. This training aligns with national best practices and agency policies to support effective and accountable policing.

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Define de-escalation and articulate its importance in modern policing, officer safety, and community trust-building.
• Identify key legal considerations in de-escalation, including constitutional principles, duty to intervene, and use of force case law.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills including active listening, empathy, tone modulation, and clear directives.
• Recognize behavioral indicators of mental illness, substance influence, emotional distress, and trauma that may impact a subject’s response.
• Apply decision-making models (e.g., ICAT, the Critical Decision-Making Model) to assess risk and guide de-escalation efforts.
• Utilize tactical repositioning, time, and distance as tools to reduce the need for force and allow for voluntary compliance.
• Practice de-escalation techniques through realistic, scenario-based exercises and role-playing.
• Evaluate officer performance in de-escalation scenarios using objective criteria and constructive feedback.
• Describe the impact of stress and bias on officer reactions and decision-making under pressure.
• Commit to a culture of professionalism that supports the use of de-escalation whenever feasible and consistent with officer and public safety.

Course fee is waived for sworn/affiliated law enforcement officers.