Does De-escalation Training Work?

In today's climate of heightened scrutiny over law enforcement interactions, the significance of crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies cannot be understated. In fact, no one is safe from ridicule. Social media videos are uploaded daily of average everyday citizens struggling to communicate with someone who is struggling to regulate their emotions. The comment sections of these videos are littered with internet experts of how the person should have handled the situation. As if the person who unfortunately found themselves on cell phone camera had prepared themselves to be in such a situation.

A pressing question often arises: "Does de-escalation training actually work?" In this briefing, we delve into this inquiry, examining the effectiveness of de-escalation training and its role in shaping modern policing.

Understanding De-Escalation Training:

De-escalation training transcends mere buzzwords, encompassing a holistic approach that equips people with the necessary skills, tools, and mindset to navigate high-stress scenarios and defuse potentially volatile situations. Rooted in communication, active listening, empathy, and adaptable assessment, de-escalation training empowers officers to respond effectively in real-time circumstances. Although often referred to as verbal de-escalation, true de-escalation efforts are anything but. Effective de-escalation efforts control the environment, people present, their own body language in addition to all of the verbal techniques in an effort to arrive at a positive outcome.

Substantiating Efficacy:

Numerous empirical studies and real-world instances substantiate the potential transformative impact of de-escalation training on modern policing:

Reduction in Use of Force: Insights from the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) study highlight that agencies implementing de-escalation training observe a marked decrease in use of force incidents. Officers adept in de-escalation techniques prioritize verbal communication and non-lethal tactics, diminishing instances of physical confrontation (*PERF, "30 Guiding Principles on Use of Force").

Augmented Officer Safety: The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) study demonstrates that de-escalation-trained officers exhibit heightened situational awareness and decision-making acumen. This leads to reduced risks for both officers and civilians in high-stress scenarios (*NIJ, "De-Escalation Techniques").

Mitigation of Tragic Outcomes: The Police Executive Research Forum analysis underscores the pivotal role of effective de-escalation training in averting tragic outcomes during confrontations that might have otherwise escalated lethally. De-escalation-trained officers deftly navigate tense situations without resorting to lethal force (*PERF, "Use of Force: Taking Policing to a Higher Standard").

Cultural Shift Towards Safety: The CNA Corporation report emphasizes that de-escalation training is an essential facet of the broader cultural transformation within law enforcement. By fostering communication, empathy, and crisis intervention, investing in these programs leads to lasting enhancements in community policing (*CNA Corporation, "Implementing a Culture of De-Escalation in Policing").

Not Without Challenges:

While the affirmative impact of de-escalation training is evident, challenges persist. Implementation across departments, ensuring uniform technique application in high-stress situations, and refresher training necessitate ongoing attention. Regular training updates, continuous evaluation, and open dialogues about strategy effectiveness foster continuous program enhancements.

The Dirty Secret of De-escalation:

Acknowledging the reality, it's important to recognize that not all situations can be resolved through de-escalation. Although its unlikely you will see this on the news or read it in a media publication, not everyone can be de-escalated.

Encounters involving individuals in crisis, under the influence, or actively resisting cooperation may require alternate approaches to ensure safety for all. De-escalation training is a valuable tool within a multifaceted policing approach.

Clearing Up:

In response to the question, "Does de-escalation training work?"—undoubtedly, it does. Evidence supports the notion that comprehensive crisis intervention and de-escalation training equip law enforcement officers with indispensable skills for navigating complex situations, safeguarding lives, and fostering community trust. While de-escalation techniques prove effective in numerous cases, it's paramount to recognize that complementary strategies remain indispensable for handling diverse scenarios. If there was one tool or technique that worked every time, we would just use that one thing. Until then we need options.

Tracing the Path of Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) and the Innovation of the Memphis Model

Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) has emerged as a beacon of hope in the realm of public safety, transforming the way first responders and public safety personnel approach mental health crises. In honor of this being the week for the 2023 CIT international conference I thought that this would be a good time to look back. Let's journey through the historical evolution of CIT, highlighting the revolutionary Memphis Model and exploring its core elements as defined by CIT International.

The Genesis of Crisis Intervention Training

The seeds of CIT were sown during the 1960s, an era marked by growing awareness of the complexities surrounding mental health crisis management within emergency settings. Traditional law enforcement tactics often fell short when confronted with individuals in mental distress, sparking a pressing need for a more compassionate and specialized approach.

The Memphis Model: A Paradigm Shift

In the late 1980s, Memphis, Tennessee, emerged as a crucible of change. The Memphis Police Department, in conjunction with mental health professionals, community advocates, and those with lived experience, unveiled the groundbreaking Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program. The Memphis Model, an embodiment of innovation, forever transformed how responders navigate mental health crises.

Key Elements of the Memphis Model

1. Collaborative Training: The Memphis Model, in harmony with the tenets of CIT International, underscores the importance of collaboration between law enforcement, mental health providers, and community stakeholders. This multidisciplinary approach ensures all parties are armed with comprehensive knowledge and specialized skills to address mental health crises adeptly.

2. Specialized Training: Acknowledging that traditional police training is insufficient, the Memphis Model elevates CIT training by incorporating specialized education. Officers are imparted with insights into mental health intricacies, advanced de-escalation tactics, and effective communication strategies. This empowers them to respond with empathy, patience, and an unwavering focus on ensuring the safety of all involved.

3. Community Involvement: The Memphis Model thrives on community engagement, echoing CIT International's core emphasis on involving community members and mental health organizations. This inclusive approach guarantees that responses are culturally sensitive, equitable, and attuned to the distinct needs of the community.

4. Diversion to Treatment: Central to the Memphis Model is the philosophy of diverting individuals experiencing mental health crises from the criminal justice system to appropriate mental health treatment. This ethos encourages a shift toward healing and rehabilitation, breaking the cycle of criminalization for individuals in crisis.

Crisis Intervention Team International's Core Elements

CIT International, an organization dedicated to promoting CIT programs globally, emphasizes the following core elements back in September of 2007. They still use them today although they have grown to exponentially since that time.

• Collaboration

• Training

• Community and statewide partnerships

• Policy development

• Data collection and analysis

• Continuous quality improvement

Wrapping Up

The trajectory of Crisis Intervention Training showcases a profound evolution in responding to mental health crises. The Memphis Model, a pioneering approach deeply rooted in collaboration, specialized training, community engagement, and diversion, has revolutionized crisis response paradigms.

The Crucial Role of Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) for Public Safety Telecommunicators

In times of crisis, our communities rely on the swift and efficient response of public safety personnel to protect and serve. Among these unsung heroes are public safety telecommunicators, the dedicated professionals who answer emergency calls and coordinate the critical first steps in crisis management. The ability to handle these high-stress situations effectively is of paramount importance, which is why Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) plays a pivotal role in enhancing the capabilities of these essential personnel.

Understanding the Role of Public Safety Telecommunicators

Public safety telecommunicators, also known as 911 dispatchers, public safety dispatcher, and communication technicians act as the lifeline between the public and emergency services. When individuals find themselves facing emergencies such as accidents, natural disasters, crimes, or mental health crises, they instinctively dial 911, seeking immediate help. In such situations, telecommunicators must stay composed, extract vital information, know exactly what resources are at their disposal and dispatch the appropriate response teams promptly. Their ability to effectively communicate with callers and first responders can be a matter of life and death.

The Need for Crisis Intervention Training (CIT)

Enhancing Crisis Communication: CIT equips telecommunicators with specialized skills to effectively communicate with distressed callers during critical incidents. They learn how to de-escalate emotionally charged situations, assess the caller's needs, and provide essential support until help arrives.

Recognizing Mental Health Crises: A significant percentage of emergency calls involve individuals experiencing mental health issues. CIT training empowers telecommunicators to identify signs of mental distress and respond with empathy and understanding. This not only ensures the safety of the individual in crisis but also helps divert them to appropriate mental health resources when needed.

Minimizing Officer Risk: By providing crucial information to first responders, telecommunicators can help mitigate risks and provide situational awareness before officers arrive on the scene. CIT training enables them to gather and relay vital details, ensuring a safer environment for both the public and the responders.

Reducing Liability and Improving Outcomes: Equipped with CIT skills, telecommunicators can make well-informed decisions, resulting in better outcomes for the individuals in crisis and the responders involved. This, in turn, helps mitigate potential liabilities for public safety agencies.

Collaboration and Teamwork: CIT training fosters better collaboration among public safety personnel, encouraging a cohesive approach to handling emergencies. Effective communication between telecommunicators and responders is vital for successful crisis management.

Trigon Training Group's CIT Program

Trigon Training Group recognizes the vital role played by public safety telecommunicators in crisis response. Our comprehensive CIT program is tailored to meet the specific needs of telecommunicators, addressing the challenges they face in their daily responsibilities. Our program covers a range of essential topics, including:

Crisis communication techniques

Active listening and empathy

Recognizing signs of mental health crises

De-escalation strategies

Stress management and self-care

Conclusion

Public safety telecommunicators are the unseen heroes who play a crucial role in emergency response. Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) provided by Trigon Training Group equips these professionals with the necessary skills to handle high-stress situations effectively. By enhancing their crisis communication abilities and fostering a deeper understanding of mental health issues, CIT empowers telecommunicators to provide critical support during emergencies. This not only ensures the safety and well-being of those in crisis but also contributes to a safer community as a whole. Embracing CIT is an investment in the resilience and efficiency of public safety agencies, enabling them to better serve and protect their communities. To learn more about Trigon Training Group's CIT program and its immense benefits, visit our website today.