Summary:

All human responses are the result of the interplay of aperson’s thinking, emoting and behavior. In this episode of the Trainer's Bullpen, host Chris Butler interviews Dr. John Azar-Dickens, a licensed clinical psychologist and police officer, about the important aspects ofoperationalizing realistic and effective deescalation tactics.  They discuss the development and application of the TEB model, which focuses on assessing thought, emotion, and behavior in crisis situations, and how it can quickly improve communication and decision-making for officers. Dr. Azar-Dickens emphasizes the importance of understandingthe unique challenges faced by police officers and the need for tailoredtraining that integrates these fundamental psychological principles with tactical skills. The conversation also touches on the complexities of dealing with individuals in crisis, including the phenomenon of suicide by cop, and thenecessity for officers to maintain emotional regulation during high-stress encounters.

Takeaways

• Dr. Azar-Dickens transitioned from psychology to law enforcement to better understand policing.

• The TEB model assesses thought, emotion, and behavior to inform crisis communication.

• Crisis communication should focus on reducing emotional intensity.

• Directive communication is necessary for compliant individuals, while crisis communication is for those in distress.

• Officers have been seriously injured and killed by incorrectly discerning the type of subject they are dealing with and using the wrong communication strategy.

• Officers must assess the situation quickly to determine the appropriate communication style.

• Suicide by cop often involves individuals with contaminated thinking and high emotion. If officers can rapidly assess they are potentially dealing with a suicide by cop subject, they may be able to implement better control strategies to manage the encounter.

• Training must integrate communication strategies within tactical skills.

• Emotional regulation is crucial for officers during high-stress situations, and this can be taught when done correctly.

• The TEB model provides a framework for officers to quickly assess a person and navigate the complex interactions.