De-escalation Basics

When tension rises, the difference between escalation and resolution often comes down to how we respond. This course teaches you the principles, techniques, and strategies to intervene safely and effectively.

Studies show that over 80% of heated conflicts de-escalate when met with calm, non-reactive presence.

---

What Is De-escalation?

De-escalation is the practice of calming conflict or aggression without force. It can be used:

• Between community members
• During interactions with law enforcement
• To prevent fights, panic, or trauma escalation

This training focuses on community-based conflict and field response—not domestic violence or armed stand-offs.

---

Core Principles

1. Preserve safety. You can’t help if you’re unsafe.
2. Engage, don’t confront. Avoid direct challenges.
3. Show empathy. Recognize emotion, not just behavior.
4. Use tone and posture. Calm body language is contagious.
5. Buy time. Slow things down, offer options.

---

Body Language & Positioning

Action	Purpose
Open palms, relaxed stance	Signals non-threat
Slightly sideways stance	Lowers perceived aggression
Avoiding direct eye contact	Reduces challenge (context matters)
Speaking slowly	Encourages mirroring calm
Standing at an angle	Offers exit without blocking

👁️ Cultural note: In some cultures, direct eye contact can feel aggressive or disrespectful.

Never crowd, corner, or block someone's movement.

---

Verbal Techniques

• Use a soft, low voice
• Start with nonjudgmental observations: “I’m noticing some big feelings right now.”
• Avoid blaming or confrontational “you” statements — use “I” or “we” to stay grounded and connected
• Offer choices, not demands
• Reflect feelings back gently: “This sounds really frustrating.”

Phrases to Avoid

Avoid Saying	Try Instead
“Calm down!”	“Let’s breathe together.”
“You’re overreacting”	“This seems really hard right now.”
“Just relax.”	“I’m here. You’re not alone.”

---

Power-Aware Communication

• Avoid uniforms, vests, or gear that suggest authority unless needed
• Step back if you’re not the right person — sometimes the best de-escalator is the least involved
• Use shared identity or language to connect (e.g., “I’m here with the community too”)

⚠️ In racialized conflicts, defer to de-escalators with shared identity if possible

---

When Not to Engage

Sometimes stepping in escalates further. Avoid direct intervention when:

• Weapons are visible or suspected
• You’re outnumbered or alone
• The person is in a mental health crisis without support
• Officers are likely to perceive you as a threat

Instead, signal for backup or document discreetly.

---

De-escalating Police Encounters

✅ DO	🚫 DON’T
Stay calm and verbal	Challenge authority
Film from a distance	Interfere physically
State rights clearly, once	Shout or argue
Document badge numbers	Approach from behind

---

Active Listening in Practice

• Listen without interrupting
• Validate feelings: “That makes sense.” or “I hear you.”
• Reflect back in their words: “It sounds like feeling ignored was really painful.”
• Ask clarifying questions: “What do you need right now?”
• Offer grounded support: “Would it help to step aside together?”

---

Active Listening (Kid-Friendly)

• Listen with your whole body — eyes, ears, and heart
• Let them finish talking before you respond
• Say something that shows you care:
  “That’s okay to feel.” or “I hear you.”
• Repeat what you heard in your own words:
  “It sounds like you felt left out.”
• Ask simple questions:
  “What would help right now?”
• Offer support that feels safe:
  “Do you want to sit with me for a minute?”

---

Conflict Styles & Triggers

Common styles:

• Compete (assertive/aggressive)
• Avoid (withdrawal)
• Accommodate (give in)
• Compromise (split the difference)
• Collaborate (seek win-win)

Keep track of emotional triggers — yours and others. Learn your stress signals and exit strategies.

---

Real-World Examples

• A panicked person at a protest: use a calm voice, offer water, give space
• Verbal fight between volunteers: ask both to pause and breathe, reframe goals
• Officer yelling: raise hands, stay quiet, record if safe

---

Mental Health Scenario

A person is rocking and muttering, unresponsive to questions. The crowd is shouting advice.

Your response:

• Clear space and kneel at a safe distance
• Speak slowly: “You’re safe here. Can you feel your feet on the ground?”
• Offer a sensory object (cold water, textured cloth)
• Signal for trained mental health support if available

---

De-escalation Toolkit

Tool	Use
Voice & tone	Calm, guide
Body posture	Safety, openness
Questions	Diffuse tension
Silence	Slows pace
Allies	Swap in/out safely

---

Practice Scenarios

1. You see someone being yelled at by a stranger.

   • What’s the first thing you do?
   • How do you check if they want help?

2. Your teammate is starting to panic.

   • What signals should you look for?
   • What grounding techniques can you offer?

3. A group is surrounding an ICE agent.

   • How do you redirect the crowd without escalating?

4. A person is pacing, repeating themselves, and ignoring questions.

   • Are they in crisis?
   • How can you support without forcing a response?

---

---

---

Summary

• De-escalation is a skill that protects people and reduces harm
• Practice tone, space, timing, and empathy
• Know your limits — call for help when needed
• In moments of fear, calm presence is power