Law Enforcement Officers Learn De-escalation Strategies

Forty local law enforcement officers participated in a free workshop on de-escalation strategies presented by The University of Scranton Police Department and supported by an innovative impact grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation.

The half-day workshop was developed and presented by trained University of Scranton Police officers, who shared their knowledge and expertise on de-escalation strategies with local college police and security personnel and municipal officers.

Many of the situations encountered by police officers, especially those who work in a college setting or in small municipalities, are emergency or personal crisis situations that require a specific set of interpersonal skills. Police officers are expected to be able to recognize the characteristics of individuals in crisis and respond appropriately, employing strategies that can defuse and de-escalate a tense situation to provide an effective and helpful resolution, while reducing liability and risk of injury.

The workshop presented techniques to safely and effectively recognize and respond to situations involving persons in crisis including training in effective communication and active listening skills which can reduce injury and the need for using physical force.

David Kostiak, policy and compliance manager and crime prevention coordinator, University of Scranton Police, and Joe Laguzzi, sergeant and de-escalation trainer, University of Scranton Police, developed and presented the de-escalation strategies workshop.