Beyond Force and Injuries: Examining Alternative (and important) Outcomes for Police De-escalation Training

• NCJ Number: 309136
• Journal: Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 89 Dated: NOV-DEC 2023 Pages: 102129
• Author(s): Michael D. White; C;arlena Orosco; Seth Watts
• Date Published: November 2023
• Grant Number(s): 2017-WY-BX-0008
• Agencies: BJA-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)

Annotation

In this paper, the authors discuss their research methodology, results, and conclusions regarding the limits of de-escalation training that isolates the use-of-force as the primary outcome measure for success; they present phone survey results; and suggest that multiple outcomes should be considered in the assessment of de-escalation training programs.

Abstract

The evidence on de-escalation training is limited and has focused almost exclusively on use of force as the primary outcome. The authors evaluate a de-escalation training program in Tempe, Arizona, delivered via a squad-based randomized controlled trial, using methods that tap into alternative outcomes in encounters that did not involve use of force. The authors conducted phone surveys with 282 randomly selected Tempe community members who had a recent encounter with Treatment and Control officers post-training. They also examined body-worn camera footage of 476 randomly selected encounters that occurred pre- (n = 230) and post-training (n = 246) with Treatment and Control officers. Community members reported that trained officers were significantly more likely to use procedural justice and de-escalation; and were more likely to leave them satisfied with their treatment and how their encounter was resolved. Results from BWC footage were less persuasive, though trained officers were more likely to use some de-escalation tactics. Use of force as a singular metric of a training effect is too narrow. A comprehensive assessment of de-escalation training should consider multiple outcomes, including the potential effects in non-force encounters. Random review of BWC footage and community member surveys are two viable methods for achieving this objective. (Published Abstract Provided)