VA – L.E.A.D.S. L.E. De-escalation Strategies And Use of Force Decision Making for the FTO

February 17, 2026
Kevin Dillon
Arrest and Control, De-escalation Training, News and Events, Recent Courses, Training Courses

Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy – VA
Hosting
L.E.A.D.S. Law Enforcement Active De-escalation Strategies
And Use of Force Decision Making
for the
Field Training Officer
Feb. 17 – 18, 2026

Course Summary
In today’s environment, every use-of-force incident is scrutinized frame by frame, often by individuals without proper training, leading to distrust and the spread of false narratives. Field Training Officers (FTOs) serve as the PRIMARY coaches and instructors for recruits, yet they frequently lack advanced training in de-escalation and use-of-force strategies.

This intensive 2-day course is specifically designed for FTOs to address these challenges. Participants will gain practical skills to apply de-escalation strategies in real-world scenarios, effectively document their actions, and implement force mitigation techniques. The training also covers how to make sound use-of-force decisions, select appropriate responses, and ensure accurate and defensible reporting.

By bridging the gap between evolving use-of-force practices and effective training, this program equips FTOs to lead with confidence and professionalism in today’s high-stakes environment. The L.E.A.D.S. (Law Enforcement Active De-escalation Strategies) training program is a nationally recognized initiative, reviewed and approved by the United States Department of Justice for agencies operating under federal consent decrees.

Course Objectives

Implicit Bias and Behavior
- Understand how implicit biases affect perceptions and behavior.
- Develop skills to reduce the influence of bias in police practices.
Behavioral and Communication Strategies
- Identify indicators of hostility through body language.
- Avoid negative communication and employ positive engagement techniques.
- Learn effective verbal de-escalation strategies.
- Use motivational interviewing to improve interactions.
Physiological and Cognitive Dynamics
- Understand physiological changes during aggression.
- Utilize cognitive limitations to actively diffuse situations.
- Redirect thought processes through positive guidance.
- Explore the importance of emotional intelligence in law enforcement.
Special Populations and Unusual Crisis Behavior
- Communicate effectively with special populations (e.g., individuals with mental illness, autism, or disabilities).
- Identify characteristics of excited delirium and agitated chaotic events.
Use of Force Fundamentals
- Define use-of-force terminology and standards.
- Apply the Fourth Amendment and constitutional force standards.
- Master the three essential steps in use-of-force decision-making.
- Identify critical areas in serious use-of-force scenarios.
- Discuss quantum of force and its application to force options.
Accountability and Reporting
- Discuss officer behavior and accountability issues.
- Document de-escalation strategies effective.
- Apply use-of-force incidents to police report writing.
- Explore tracking, trending, and analyzing use-of-force data.
- Review case studies (e.g., DOJ use-of-force tracking at Rikers Island).
Electronic Control Weapons and Training Issues
- Address issues, trends, and training voids in electronic control weapons.
Force Analysis and Coaching
- Quantify use-of-force deployments and analyze incidents.
- Track critical data points and utilize them for improvement.
- Coach and instruct de-escalation techniques effectively.