Building the Evidence Base on De-escalation Training for Law Enforcement: A Multi-Agency Randomized Control Trial

• In Event: Police De-escalation Strategies: An Assessment of the Research & Innovative Approaches

Abstract

The ability to use force to handle situations is a defining, albeit controversial, characteristic of the police. In recent years, police executives have been encouraged to make significant changes
within their agencies regarding when and how officers use force in their interactions with the public. A key recommendation for police use-of-force reform has been the implementation of de-escalation training in police departments. Recognizing the current lack of research, this panel will provide information on current research on police de-escalation strategies. The presentation will focus on the Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics (ICAT) de-escalation training in the Indianapolis (IN) Metro Police Department; the De-escalation through Tactical Communication (DTC) training in the Cincinnati (OH) Police Department; and other de-escalation tactics implemented in the Oklahoma City (OK) Police Department (OCPD). Key findings discussed will include the impact of de-escalation training on officer attitudes and other outcomes (e.g., arrests, use of force, officer/citizen injuries, and citizen complaints). Other findings discussed will focus on the frequency of police use of force, impediments to use of force, and the effectiveness of specific types of de-escalation tactics that result in safer police-citizen encounters.

Author

• Robin Engel, The Ohio State University