Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

This training will present various communication and de-escalation models shown to be successful in the past when dealing with potentially dangerous situations involving emotionally distraught individuals. Students will formulate plans and strategies on safe approaches to hostile encounters and use effective communication skills to gain cooperation.

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

1. Use communication techniques to handle potentially dangerous situations with a person in emotional distress while acting in an official capacity.
2. Successfully diagram a “disturbance call.” 
3. Apply appropriate police response to the person experiencing emotional distress while not exposing first responders to excessive danger. 
4. Communicate with a person in a mental health crisis using current deescalation strategies and techniques leading to a successful outcome.

• Classroom Lecture
• Guest specialists in crisis intervention and hostage negotiation
• Films and videos
• Role playing scenarios
• Group discussions

Methods of assessment may include the following: examinations, quizzes, an interview assignment report, research papers, class participation, role playing feedback, diagramming of a crisis incident, and oral presentations and group activities.

This course will address topics that include, but are not limited to:

• Techniques and approaches to intervention and working with people experiencing crisis, and tools for defusing and resolution, with an emphasis on safety.
• Historical background in American policing
• Communication Theories
• Survey of Successful Intervention Models
• Tactical Communication Techniques
• Mediation Basics
• Definitions and examples of Excited Delirium
• Survey of Contemporary Dispute Settlement Strategies
• Foundation Principals for Intervening in Crisis Situations