Members of the law enforcement profession have come under intense pressure in recent years to prioritize efforts at employing de-escalation techniques in force encounters. Fundamentals of Realistic De-Escalation is a one-day course describing the often-challenging expectations placed on law enforcement officers that they gain compliance without using physical force. Oftentimes, not using physical force at all may not be realistic or safe. The legitimate goal of de-escalation tactics is to resolve problems with minimal use of force.

This course presents concepts and methods to support de-escalation efforts when personal connections can be made. Participants will be provided with knowledge to apply in real-world situations. This includes learning ways to address the needs of people in a state of a mental health crisis, or those whose perception of reality is altered. Worst-case scenarios in these types of situations can end with harm to the officer, bystanders or the subject, and scenarios such as suicide by cop further complicate the picture for responding officers.