Policy Text
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW
1 06/18/2020 12/01/2020
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS
_________________ ______
390 – De-Escalation Policy 1
POLICY 390 DE-ESCALATION
390.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
Peace officers must understand that the principles of de -escalation can provide effective tools
during contacts with the public and may result in improved decision -making, reduction in
situational intensit y, and providing outcomes with greater voluntary compliance.
390.1.1 ACCREDITATION STANDARDS
This policy pertains to the following CALEA Standards: 4.1.1
390.2 PHILOSOPHY
No policy can anticipate every conceivable situation or exceptional circumstance which officers
may face. In all circumstances, officers are expected to exercise sound judgment and critical
decision making when using force options. Whenever possible, de -escalation techniques should
be utilized.
390.2.1 DEFINITIONS
De-escalation – De-escalation is t he application of verbal and non -verbal techniques or
strategies to reduce the intensity of an interaction(s) and potential for physical altercation.
390.3 DE-ESCALATION TACTICS
As time and circumstances reasonably permit, and when co mmunity and officer safety would
not be compromised, officers should consider actions that may increase officer safety and may
decrease the need for using force:
a) Summoning additional resources that are able to respond in a reasonably timely
manner.
b) Formu lating a plan with responding officers before entering an unstable situation that
does not reasonably appear to require immediate intervention.
c) Employing other tactics that do not unreasonably jeopardize the safety of officers,
members of the public, or su spects.
In addition, when reasonable, officers should evaluate the totality of circumstances presented at
the time in each situation and, when feasible, consider and utilize reasonably available
alternative tactics and techniques that may persuade an indi vidual to voluntarily comply or may
mitigate the need to use a higher level of force to resolve the situation before applying force
(Government Code § 7286(b)(1)). Such alternatives may include but are not limited to:
a) Attempts to de -escalate a situation.
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW
1 06/18/2020 12/01/2020
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS
_________________ ______
390 – De-Escalation Policy 2
b) If reasonably available, the use of crisis intervention techniques by properly trained
personnel.
390.4 BENEFITS OF DE -ESCALATION
Benefits of the practice of de -escalation include, but are not limited to:
a) Reduced danger to officer and the public
b) Positive impact on public trust
c) Improved community cooperation
390.5 CORE CONCEPTS
Peace officers should attempt to recognize the public’s physical and psychological reactions to
situations. Peace officers should also try to recognize their own physical and psychological
reactions to situations. Tactics and techniques may assist in decreasing the situational intensity
of a situation and gain voluntary compliance.
a) Self control – understanding of physical and psychological reactions of the public and
law e nforcement officers may assist in maintaining self -control.
b) Effective communication – clear commands and questions, good observation and
listening skills, and appropriate terminology will enhance the likelihood of success.
c) Scene assessment and management – when possible, provides officers with an
accurate picture of what is occurring and assists in the management of force options.
d) Force options – reasonable use of force techniques may reduce situational intensity for
the safety of all parties.