This lesson provides guidance for law enforcement officers on the following topics:

• The purpose of using de-escalation techniques.

• Assessment of the situation in determining whether to engage in de-escalation.

• Verbal de-escalation techniques.

• Physical de-escalation techniques.

• Concluding the encounter.

Training Category. This lesson has been designed to provide one hour of instruction on de-escalation techniques, including verbal and physical tactics to minimize the need for the use of force and nonlethal methods of applying force. See Iowa Code section 80B.11G. See also Iowa Administrative Code section 501—8.1(6). This lesson has been reviewed and approved by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.