“Talk Them and Walk Them”: An Exploration of Police Negotiator Training for De-Escalating Crisis Situations

Abstract

While police are frequent responders to individuals experiencing psychological crises, they often lack the communication training needed to peacefully de-escalate these complex situations. This article analyses a three-day police communication and de-escalation training program, delivered by experienced police negotiators to general duties officers. To assess the training’s effectiveness, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight police officers from an Australian police organisation: three police negotiators who deliver the training and five general duties officers who received it. Applying adult learning theory (andragogy) as a lens, the findings revealed that the police trainees valued the student-centred, active learning approach to training, which differed from traditional rote training. Participants reported long-term benefits, noting the training’s effectiveness in peacefully de-escalating crises in practice. Limitations were also identified, including the absence of follow-up, refresher training, and the lack of availability of the program at the police academy and for all frontline officers.