Principles of Effective De-Escalation in Police-Citizen Encounters

• In Event: Police Tools, Force, and Force Reduction

Abstract

As a suggestion for reducing violence between police and citizens, the U.S. government and police experts have recommended that de-escalation become a more integral part of police training and policy. However, research on this topic is virtually nonexistent, and many police contend that these recommendations are based on misinformed perceptions of de-escalation and the realities of police work. Accordingly, the current study tests how characteristics of officers, citizens, and situations are related to the effectiveness of de-escalation tactics. Data were collected using Systematic Social Observations of 131 police-citizen interactions over 35 ride alongs. Recommendations are offered for enhancing use of force training to incorporate de-escalation, and for improving police-citizen relations and legitimacy.

Author

• Natalie Todak, University of Alabama, Birmingham