Force Mitigation and De-Escalation Techniques

Force Mitigation and De-escalation Techniques is a combat-confrontation avoidance course where participants will learn communication skills and evidence-based active diffusion strategies to avoid or resolve conflict. Participants will explore how de-escalation techniques, conflict resolution methods, and distraction approaches can protect officers in the field, reduce civilian complaints, and decrease civil litigation. The course also discusses tactical responses when diffusion tactics are inappropriate or ineffective. The course uses lectures and demonstrations to facilitate learning and retention in the art of avoiding violence.

Topics Covered / Course Objectives

  • Assess the situation to determine the level of escalation, risks, and source of conflict
  • Adapt specific approaches to address the problem at hand
  • Implement a plan based on appropriate de-escalation techniques

Course Length

Force Mitigation and De-Escalation Techniques is a one-day course.

Course Hours

Participants receive 8 hours of TCOLE credit.

Course Cost / Fee Policy

Force Mitigation and De-Escalation Techniques is $99 per person for Texas Law Enforcement Officers.

Registration Process

Registration is 100% online. Please visit the Register Online link located on the Upcoming Events table below or the LEMIT Calendar page to register. A confirmation e-mail will be sent to the e-mail address indicated on the form within one week of registration.

Cancellation / No-Show Policy

If the participant has already paid, he/she will be refunded half the cost of the registration fee if written notice of cancellation is received by the Program Coordinator no later than seven (7) business days prior to the program. No refunds are available after this date, but substitutions of attendees are permitted.

If no written cancellation is received and the participant does not attend the program, the participant or their agency will be required to pay 100% of the registration fee if the registration fee was not previously paid.

Course Contact

Camara Walden, Coordinator - Professional Development Programs
Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas
George J. Beto Criminal Justice Building
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX 77341-2417
Fax: (936) 294-3926
Phone: (936) 294-4995
Phone: 800-477-9248
lemitpdp@shsu.edu

Dress for the Week:
Business casual is the dress for the week. Clothing should be professional, and no caps/hats or shorts are permitted. It is always recommended to bring a light jacket in case the training room is cold.

Firearms:
If you choose to wear your duty weapon you may do so in full uniform or in plain clothes with your badge fully displayed. Individuals who are 21 years of age and who currently possess a handgun license from the State of Texas or an approved reciprocating state may legally carry a concealed handgun on or about their person. Handguns may be carried on campus, except at collegiate and UIL athletic events, health and counseling centers, and other specified locations on campus. Signs will clearly identify prohibited sites around campus.

Tobacco Products:
In order to promote a healthy, safe, and aesthetically pleasing work and educational environment, Sam Houston State University endorses a smoke free and tobacco free environment. Tobacco use (including smokeless tobacco) is not permitted on campus grounds. Electronic cigarettes/vaping products are also prohibited.

LEMIT Building and Parking:

The Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas is located at 1600 Bobby K. Marks Dr., Huntsville, Texas, at the corner of Bobby K. Marks and Bearkat Boulevard on the campus of Sam Houston State University. It also is located right next door to the University Hotel.

  • ALL vehicles must be registered to park on the SHSU campus. This includes marked agency vehicles.
  • Prior to your class, you will receive information on how to register your vehicle and where to park.
  • For visitors and guests, there are pay-by-hour spaces along Bobby K. Marks Street and Bearkat Boulevard; however, these are managed through the City of Huntsville system and are not part of the University permits. Follow instructions listed on street signs for payment options and be sure to select "Huntsville" when asked to select a location. For more information on the City of Huntsville system, visit Huntsville Paid Parking.
  • Parking is also available for visitors in the Sam Houston Parking Garage, located at 1730 Avenue I, within walking distance to LEMIT. The parking garage contains approximately 250 hourly use parking spaces. Visitors should not park in the parking spaces that are numbered; the numbered spaces are reserved for Garage Permit Holders only. For directions to the SHSU Parking Garage, please click here.