A Nationally Accredited Law Enforcement Training Academy

De-escalation: Principles & Practice Goals and Learning Objectives

Objective #1: Define subject & discuss the environment - trainee will engage in discussion about the curriculum, defining the difference between insiders and outsiders and discussing situational factors surrounding the environment (e.g., outside, inside, physical or mental impairment of the subject; presence of hostages, victims, or bystanders; weapon(s); number of officers at the scene, etc.), including how the situation, and physiological state and personality of the subject influence the interaction.

Objective #2: Discuss de-escalation fundamentals - trainee will engage in discussion, providing examples of traditional de-escalation (procedural justice), including respect; asking for rather than ordering compliance; asking open-ended questions; providing the subject with options when possible; permit venting; interpreting body language, emotion, and influence; maintaining officer self-control; refrain from telling a subject to "calm down"; consider physical/mental issues; and knowing when to abandon de-escalation.

Objective #3: Identify trauma informed policing and crisis intervention - trainee will identify how his/her behavior can increase trauma; recognize signs and symptoms of individuals experiencing physical or mental impairment; and identify signs and symptoms of drug/alcohol use. Trainees will demonstrate practical approaches for responding to subjects experiencing any of these issues during scenario-based training.

Objective #4: Demonstrate personality assessment with de-escalation including styles and substyles – trainee will demonstrate correct personality assessment during scenario-based training

Objective #5: Demonstrate body language and rapid personality assessment - trainee will demonstrate correct body language of personalities during classroom discussion and activity

Objective #6: Discuss potential for risk based on personality – trainee will discuss which personality styles have the greatest potential for risk of violence and risk of victimization

Objective #7: Identify and respond to individuals experiencing active or passive emotional state – trainee will identify subjects experiencing an active or passive emotional state, including how that differs from a subject in a normal state while viewing video vignettes; and trainee will demonstrate approaches for responding to these individuals during scenario-based training