VA – L.E.A.D.S. and Use of Force Decision Making for the Field Training Officer

Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy
Hosting
L.E.A.D.S. Active De-escalation Strategies
and Use of Force Decision Making for the Field Training Officer
April 3 and 4, 2025

In today’s environment, every use of force incident is scrutinized frame by frame on video and judged by individuals often lacking proper training, leading to distrust and the spread of false narratives. Field Training Officers (FTOs), as the primary coaches and instructors for recruits, often lack advanced training in de-escalation tactics and use-of-force decision-making, leaving them on par with the recruits they are guiding. De-escalation strategies, use-of-force mitigation, analysis, investigation, and training are complex and constantly evolving challenges.

This customized 2-day training session is specifically designed for FTOs and will focus on:
• Applying real-world de-escalation strategies to reduce the need for force.
• Documenting de-escalation tactics and force mitigation strategies effectively.
• Making sound use-of-force decisions and selecting appropriate actions.
• Accurately reporting and articulating use-of-force incidents.

Equip your FTOs with the tools they need to train recruits confidently while promoting accountability, professionalism, and safer outcomes in the field.

INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES

1. Understand how implicit biases influence perceptions and behavior in law enforcement.
2. Identify indicators of hostility through body language and non-verbal cues.
3. Develop skills and tactics to reduce the influence of bias on policing practices.
4. Recognize the value of tracking services in law enforcement to improve accountability.
5. Learn techniques to avoid negative communication and shift toward positive interactions.
6. Master effective verbal de-escalation strategies to defuse tense situations.
7. Understand the physiological changes that occur during aggression and how to manage them.
8. Understand how involuntary cognitive limitations when confronting aggression.
9. Learn methods to redirect thought processes through positive and constructive communication.
10. Understand the importance of emotional intelligence in law enforcement and its application in the field.
11. Develop strategies for communicating and responding to special populations ( P.U.B. persons demonstrating unusual behaviors)
12. Learn and apply motivational interviewing techniques to improve communication and compliance.
13. Understand use-of-force definitions and proper terminology for accurate reporting.
14. Explore the application of the Fourth Amendment to use-of-force decisions.
15. Discuss Constitutional Force Standards and their role in law enforcement practices.
16. Learn the three essential steps in use-of-force decision-making.
17. Define and analyze serious use-of-force areas and their implications.
18. Examine officer behavior and accountability issues in use-of-force situations.
19. Discuss de-escalation strategies and how to document them effectively.
20. Understand human attention and its relevance to use-of-force incidents.
21. Learn methods for tracking, trending, reporting, and analyzing use-of-force incidents.
22. Apply proper force application techniques to police report writing.
23. Discuss trends, issues, and training needs related to Electronic Control Weapons (ECWs).
24. Identify training gaps and voids in current use-of-force programs.
25. Understand the concept of quantum of force and how it applies to force options.
26. Identify the key information needed for tracking and analyzing use-of-force data.
27. Discuss the factors necessary for a thorough analysis of use-of-force incidents.
28. Develop methods for quantifying use-of-force deployments to measure effectiveness.
29. Learn strategies for coaching de-escalation techniques effectively.
30. Master methods for instructing and coaching officers to improve performance and accountability.