The national policing institute (NPI), in collaboration with the institute for intergovernmental research (IIR), proposes to develop and promote the benefits of a standards-based review and approval…

The national policing institute (NPI), in collaboration with the institute for intergovernmental research (IIR), proposes to develop and promote the benefits of a standards-based review and approval process for DE-escalation training in the law enforcement field. The NPI and IIR aim to support the office of community oriented policing services in the advancement of the goals of the law enforcement DE-escalation training act of 2022 by developing clear, objective standards for the assessment of DE-escalation training curricula, identifying training curricula that meet those standards using a thorough process involving subject matter expert review, and tracking the delivery of that training in the field. This work will be completed over a 24-month period and involve project activities centering around the development and pilot of national standards and an innovative online platform supporting the review, approval, and continual assessment of DE-escalation training designed for law enforcement officers and covered mental health professionals in the field. Strategic engagement and outreach by the NPI will be tailored to key stakeholders to raise awareness, encourage submissions of training curricula through the online platform, and promote the importance of the national, standards-based review process. The current GAP in consistent, comprehensive guidance around evidence-informed and best practices for DE-escalation training highlights the value of a comprehensive process for reviewing and approving training curricula for law enforcement officers and covered mental health professionals. The expert review and tracking of curricula that align with national standards for DE-escalation training will provide a critical resource for the law enforcement field namely, identifying effective training that agencies may adopt to reduce the number of interactions involving use of force and enhance the safety of law enforcement responses for all.