Published: 9/2/2022 5:21:07 PM
Modified: 9/2/2022 5:17:29 PM
AMHERST — Creating a culture of de-escalation among local police is an objective of training sessions being coordinated by University of Massachusetts Police in September and January.
UMass Police got a $130,465 grant from the Department of Justice to cover the costs of the two de-escalation sessions. These will include an overview of policies and procedures that encourage a de-escalation mindset for officers. Local departments are encouraged to register officers for the course at no cost.
UMass Police Sgt. Brian J. Green said in a statement that the department is eager to help get officers trained in up-to-date de-escalation skills.
“We believe this course will provide officers the opportunity to become informed instructors for their own departments, bringing valuable communication techniques and new approaches to their communities,” Green said.
Each three-day session will focus on a real-world approach to communicating tactfully, allowing instructors to provide a baseline for officers that will reduce liability, promote a professional image, build rapport and potentially save lives.
The training is a hands-on, scenario-based course that gets instructors involved in classroom participation.
After completing the 24-hour course, officers’ de-escalation training certification will be good for two years, with a possibility for renewal.
The first training will be held Sept. 12 to Sept. 14, and the second will run Jan. 9 to Jan. 11.
Local departments can register through an online portal on Blue Shield Tactical Systems LLC’s website at bit.ly/3KBV7t3.