The Vancouver Police Department has confirmed that it will be affording training to its officers in de-escalation.
President Barack Obama has created a task force to examine policing in the 21st century, and that agency has made recommendations. These include not only demilitarizing the police, but also creating a change in police culture and training, particularly with regards to de-escalation.
Recognizing that a shift in police procedures is necessary, Vancouver's police chief, James McElvain, is getting ready to send all of his sworn police officers through de-escalation training, all of which will take place this fall.
McElvain said the training would help officers recognize that its not always necessary for an officer to stand his or her ground, which can escalate into violence. Sometimes, McElvain says, officers need to retreat, make plans, and use better communication and better tactics so that the situation can be more effectively diffused.
De-escalation has always been part of the training law enforcement officers undergo, but a number of high-profile incidents in recent times has led to new emphasis being placed on this skill.
When the training is finished, department officials might consider working with brochure printers to create a booklet to be mailed to residents, explaining the training and how it will impact policing in the city, as well as the proactive measures being taken.
