A new study from researchers at the University of Chicago Crime Lab has found a training program rooted in behavioral science can dramatically cut the number of times police officers use force while also increasing officer safety.

Brian Tich discusses implementation lessons and scaling strategies for police de-escalation training in Police Chief Magazine.

This training encourages law enforcement personnel to actively intervene to prevent colleagues from committing policy or procedure mistakes or unprofessional, unethical, or criminal conduct. The curriculum was developed for law enforcement officers of all ranks and experience.

Since the publication of the task force’s final report in May 2015, there have been countless working groups established to respond to police violence in communities. Still, the nation remains in a policing crisis.  In February 2023, former task force co-chairs convened former task force members to discuss the current crisis of confidence in policing.

Commissioner Michael Harrison (Baltimore Police Department) and Commissioner Michael Cox (Boston Police Department) are helping officers heal their trauma with an approach called Rewire CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). This approach allows officers exposed to trauma to become aware of their emotions and connect with how they think, feel, and act. Through this approach, officers may better regulate their emotions and have more positive interactions with the public.

Principles of the Law, Policing provides a framework for the field to create just and rational policing laws, policies, and practices, developed by The American Law Institute (ALI). The project has been informed by a variety of sources, including existing policies and practices in agencies, research, and constitutional norms.