De-escalation training: An evidence-based practice to reduce force and increase legitimacy

Abstract

Police officers must approach volatile situations that may escalate on a frequent basis. As first responders, they often do not have the luxury of ignoring conflict in public and must work to resolve the situation. However, officers’ presence may inadvertently escalate situations, leading to coercive responses, injury, or worse. The National De-Escalation Training Center (NDTC) has received $4.75 million dollars to provide de-escalation training that incorporates rapid personality assessment, mental health issue recognition, and situational awareness built on a procedural justice foundation. Using data from the first year of trainings conducted across the U.S., we have found that NDTC training dramatically improves officers’ ability to recognize levels of escalation, tailor their response to the individuals’ personality types, and respond effectively. Consequently, trainees are better equipped to avoid turning volatile situations into tragedies and exacerbating the existing cynicism towards law enforcement.