A Systematic Review of De-Escalation Training Provided to Correctional Staff

• In Event: Understanding the Drivers and Responses to Prison Violence: Results from a Multi-State Examination

Abstract

Correctional staff respond to a variety of interpersonal disputes that can jeopardize prison safety and security. One of the most important trainings correctional staff receive is related to de-escalation, which attempts to peacefully resolve conflicts by method of communication. Most of the research on de-escalation focuses on law enforcement in community settings, but effective de-escalation strategies are also vital to the daily operation of prisons. In this study, a systematic review is performed on the training regimen offered to correctional staff across seven states. This review identifies common strategies states use to train staff on de-escalation, such as how to communicate with someone undergoing a mental health crisis. The findings provide insight as to how de-escalation training can be used to mitigate the risk of violence in prison.

Author

• Daniel Butler, Iowa State University