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After reviewing Body Camera Footage 1 and Body Camera Footage 2, I realized that I would
probably think the outcomes were acceptable if they were reversed. The Officer in Body Camera
Footage 2 very skillfully deescalated the situation. He treated the suspect with kindness and
respect even after the suspect relinquished his weapon, he was not thrown to the ground, the
officer thanked him. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in
Christ God forgave you”[ CITATION Kin2 \l 1033 ]. The officer stayed incredibly calm and
rational throughout the incident and I believe he genuinely cared, and he did not want to see
anyone, including suspect get hurt. “When people receive attention, they typically feel validated
and are less likely to turn violent. This type of focus does not only involve verbal cues that
indicate what is being said is heard - it also involves eye contact, body language and a calm
voice”[ CITATION Nat12 \l 1033 ].
The officer(s) in Body Camera Footage 1 made their situation worse from the very beginning
by engaging in a pointless argument with the individual they detained for a minor jaywalking
ticket. They continued to escalate the situate until it turned into threats and cursing, then a chase
ensued. Finally, when the officers caught up to their suspect, they proceeded to beat on him and
taunt ruthlessly like bullies. In my opinion, their suspect would have never fled if they had not
become so aggressive with him. He did not pose any danger and the actions of police was a
totally disproportionate response. “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but
the wicked stumble when calamity strikes”[ CITATION Kin3 \l 1033 ].
Only one suspect out of two actually posed an immediate danger but ironically, he was the
one who surrendered peacefully, without incident. “
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De-escalation techniques can be an effective intervention tool that not only helps
individuals who are in crisis but also reduces police liability and injury. When an officer
applies de-escalation skills appropriately, the probability that he or she will effectively
intervene in a crisis is increased and the need for using physical force is
minimized”[ CITATION Com10 \l 1033 ].
Works Cited
Comton, M. T., Morgan, R., & Oliva, J. R. (2010). A Practical Overview of De-Escalation Skills
in Law Enforcement: Helping Individuals in Crisis While Reducing Police Liability and
Injury. Journal of Police Crisis Negotiations, 10:1-2, 15-29.
doi:https://www.tandfonline.com/action/showCitFormats?
doi=10.1080%2F15332581003785421
King James Bible, 1769/2011, Ephesians 4:32 NIV. (n.d.).
King James Bible, 1769/2011, Proverbs 24:16 NIV. (n.d.).
NationalPoliceTraining.com. (2012, May 17). De-Escalation Techniques. Retrieved from
NationalPoliceTraining.com: https://www.nationalpolicetraining.com/articles/view.php?
article_id=5884&page_number=1
