What does the HPD policy say about de-escalation before force is used?

What does the HPD policy say about de-escalation before force is used?

• A. It is optional if time allows.
• B. It should be prioritized before force, using time, distance, and communication.
• C. It is only for non-emergency situations.
• D. It replaces the need for force entirely.

Answer: (B)

De-escalation before force is used means prioritizing non-force strategies to resolve encounters whenever possible, using time, distance, and communication to reduce risk and gain voluntary compliance. The policy emphasizes that officers should attempt to de-escalate first, applying time to assess the situation, distance to create safety, and calm, clear communication to resolve tension and gain cooperation. This approach aims to minimize harm and avoid the need for force when it’s not necessary. Force, when it becomes necessary to protect safety, is viewed as a last resort after every reasonable de-escalation effort has been attempted. This is not optional, nor is it limited to non-emergency situations, and it does not eliminate the possibility of using force entirely—de-escalation and force are part of a continuum guided by safety and proportionality.

De-escalation before force is used means prioritizing non-force strategies to resolve encounters whenever possible, using time, distance, and communication to reduce risk and gain voluntary compliance. The policy emphasizes that officers should attempt to de-escalate first, applying time to assess the situation, distance to create safety, and calm, clear communication to resolve tension and gain cooperation. This approach aims to minimize harm and avoid the need for force when it’s not necessary. Force, when it becomes necessary to protect safety, is viewed as a last resort after every reasonable de-escalation effort has been attempted. This is not optional, nor is it limited to non-emergency situations, and it does not eliminate the possibility of using force entirely—de-escalation and force are part of a continuum guided by safety and proportionality.