As with many issues in law enforcement, the entire concept of de-escalation and use of force is complex. Every day, law enforcement officers across Minnesota and the nation deal with challenging encounters on the job. Most of these incidents result in successful and peaceful non-forceful resolutions, although some don’t always go smoothly — especially when dealing with a combative and uncooperative individual.
As a police officer for many years, I can attest that police officers would like to avoid the need to use force whenever possible, although there are times when force is necessary to resolve a situation and avoid escalation of an incident that could lead to a dangerous outcome, including a critical incident.
This fall, the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT) is sponsoring a workshop developed by the Force Science Institute that will teach you how best to handle these critical situations — while keeping both officers and the public safe.
The course will cover many aspects of human psychology, police tactics and techniques, and negotiation strategies, some of which will include:
- Understanding what de-escalation actually means and when it’s effective.
- Quickly determining whether de-escalation efforts are reasonable, practical, and likely to be successful.
- Efficiently recognizing whether a subject is in conflict or crisis — and which strategies will be most effective to defuse the situation.
- Better ensuring your approach and control strategies, maximize response options, and minimize unnecessary escalation.
- Debunking myths about de-escalation that may jeopardize officer or citizen safety.
- Enhancing your ability to make a connection, establish rapport, and apply effective principles of persuasion.
Registration
The registration for this workshop is now open and has been approved for eight total POST credits. Officers will earn four hours of conflict management/mediation credits and four hours of crisis intervention credits.
This workshop will be held at two locations, so mark your calendars now for either of the below dates and places. The course fee has been reduced to $50 for LMCIT members.
• Oct. 8 — South Metro Public Training Facility, Edina
• Oct. 11 — Hero Training Center, Cottage Grove
You can find additional information here, and you can direct any registration questions to Event Coordinator Ashley Nelson at (651) 281-1258.
If you have any questions about the content of this training opportunity, you may contact me at tstille@lmc.org or (651) 215-4051.
Remember: Responder Safety = Public Safety
In the meantime, stay safe and be careful -
Tracy
