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Maine – L.E.A.D.S. – Law Enforcement Active De-escalation Strategies Instructor Training

Maine Dept. of Corrections
 Hosts
L.E.A.D.S. – Law Enforcement Active De-escalation Strategies
3 Day – Instructor Training
March 18 – 20, 2025  0830 – 1630

This nationally recognized, award-winning certification course in conflict resolution and de-escalation is designed for law enforcement professionals. The L.E.A.D.S.™ Plus T – Law Enforcement Active De-escalation Strategies program, developed in 2007, is widely utilized across the United States.

Through lectures, demonstrations, role-playing, and practical scenario applications, this instructor-level program equips participants with the knowledge and skills needed to train others in L.E.A.D.S.™ strategies. The course focuses on developing positive communication skills, effective de-escalation techniques, anger management strategies, and confrontation avoidance methods.

Participants will learn how to recognize and manage aggressive behaviors to prevent escalation. The curriculum emphasizes Active De-escalation Strategies, enabling students to resolve or defuse negative interactions effectively. Additionally, the course addresses tactical responses for situations where de-escalation is inappropriate or ineffective and teaches distraction techniques to enhance the success of tactical applications.

INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES:

  • Transform Negative Communication into Positive Outcome
    • Learn techniques to shift negative interactions into constructive and positive communication.
  • Identify the Professional Benefits of Respect
    • Understand how showing respect enhances communication and builds trust in professional settings.
  • Master Anger Management Techniques
    • Acquire strategies to manage anger effectively and maintain control during high-stress situations.
  • Implement Verbal De-escalation Strategies
    • Learn effective methods to defuse tense situations through verbal communication.
  • Develop Community Empowerment and Partnership Strategies
    • Discover ways to build trust and foster partnerships within the community.
  • Understand Physiological Changes During Aggression
    • Explore the body’s physiological responses to aggression and how they affect behavior and decision-making.
  • Utilize Cognitive Limitations for Active Diffusion
    • Learn how to use cognitive techniques to diffuse aggressive behavior and redirect focus.
  • Redirect Thought Processes Through Positive Techniques
    • Master methods to guide individuals toward calmer and more cooperative mindsets.
  • Communicate Effectively with Special Populations
    • Develop strategies to respond compassionately and effectively to individuals with mental illnesses, autism, or disabilities.
  • Learn Motivational Interviewing Skills
    • Acquire techniques to encourage cooperation and foster goal-oriented communication.
  • Tactical Relocation Strategies
    • Learn methods to tactically reposition and delay confrontations for safer outcomes.
  • Build Community Partnerships Through Daily Interactions
    • Develop skills to create stronger community relationships through everyday engagement.
  • Facilitate Role-Playing Breakout Sessions
    • Learn how to design and conduct breakout sessions to practice real-world scenarios through role-playing exercises.
  • Combine Communication and Physical Strategies to De-escalate
    • Integrate verbal and physical techniques to effectively manage and de-escalate volatile situations.
  • Examine De-escalation in Litigation
    • Understand how de-escalation—or the lack thereof—can impact legal outcomes and liability.
  • Master Teaching Methodologies and Adult Learning Principles
    • Learn effective classroom and scenario-based facilitation techniques to engage adult learners.
  • Develop Comprehensive De-escalation Strategies
    • Expand communication and physical skills to create a holistic approach to de-escalation and conflict resolution.

REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

FBI National Associates 2022 Science and Innovation Award
L.O.C.K.U.P. Arrest and Control Training  & 
L.E.A.D.S. Law Enforcement Active Diffusion

 

REGISTER

Course Flier

LOCATION of TRAINING:

Maine Dept. of Corrections
25 Tyson Dr. Augusta Maine 04330
Contact – Roy King

roy.king@maine.gov

L.E.A.D.S. Law Enforcement Active De-escalation Strategies
Instructor Training
St. Louis County and Municipal Police Academy – MO
June 4 – 7, 2024

What the Students had to say!

The course was very well taught, and the information was great KD is one of the best and most engaging structures I’ve ever had. Sergeant 17 Years
Great course this 100% should be included in the curriculum for police recruit training.

 

Sergeant 29 years
I have had chances to partake in numerous trainings in my years as a police officer. Every single one is the same old boring block by block, death by PowerPoint system, I dread any training usually. This specific training with KD was the best training I have taken in my so far five-year career. I will sign up for any training that is designed and instructed by KD from now on. Every police officer, CO, and any other law enforcement officers could and should take this training period I will be back, 100% Police Officer 5 years
great course, the instructor was full of knowledge and taught outstanding tools to assist officers. Shift Supervisor        19 years
I enjoyed that it correlated to both police and corrections and how vital the escalation tactics are in today’s world of law enforcement. Booking Officer      2.5 years
Great class, instructor was engaging and upbeat. The class gave useful tools to use on the street. Patrol 9 years
This course was great! KD is a great instructor who delivers all the info properly. All info goes hand in hand with daily lives, from work to home. Stories shared were appropriate along with the video shown and teach backs. Training instructor 17 years
KD is one of the best (if not the best) instructors I have attended. The LEADS class provides useful tactics that we can teach all officers. KD provided training that is backed by science and his approach or way he teaches is excellent. Highly recommend this instructor. I now have a great understanding how to be a great de-escalation instructor. Patrol eight years
Class was very informative. Class introduces tactics we can use in the field. Focuses on strategies that do not stimulate aggression and skills to deescalate conflicts. Great for everyday encounters and policing and corrections. Police officer
I felt this course provided an insane amount of insight, detail, and extremely effective strategies to effectively diffuse hostile situations period now that I’ve attended this training I feel more confident in my de-escalation abilities and wish it were possible for every LE officer to attend. The instructor was extremely knowledgeable and instructed in a way that was easy to follow and facilitated an environment very conducive to learning. Our instructor was Lieutenant Dillon. Thank you so much for this experience
Fantastic training period. This training should be a part of state law enforcement qualifications in all state regulated mandates for noncommissioned law enforcement agencies and departments. It is valuable
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