Overview

De-Escalation Behaviors in Naturalistic Law Enforcement Settings

The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) provide career-long training to law enforcement professionals to protect the homeland. This mission includes state, local and tribal departments throughout the U.S. One area of merging interest is determining what factors escalate or de-escalate situations between agents and the public, and training law enforcement to de-escalate situations wherever possible.

Solution

This project researches both verbal and behavioral indicators of de-escalation and escalation in real-life law enforcement situations. Working with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), the project identifies patterns of behavior that produce positive and negative outcomes in field situations. Using a coding model developed by Principal Investigator Terrill, the research team is analyzing past video footage from several law enforcement agencies to uncover verbal and behavioral indications from both suspects and law enforcement that cause de-escalation or escalation. The goal of the project is to develop statistical models that help identify patterns and possible indicators that can change the course of interactions for positive outcomes such as lowering officer force, reducing citizen resistance levels and increasing citizen compliance and cooperation.

Impact

Developing training tor federal, state, and local law enforcement to teach methods of deescalating situations for more peaceful interactions and greater safety of both citizens and law enforcement agents.

Research Leadership Team

Principal Investigator: William Terrill, Arizona State University