CapArms Question of the Day: Do You Know How To De-Escalate Potential Violence?

De-escalation is all the rage these days. The entire Chicago PD, for example, are now required to take de-escalation training. Seems pretty simple to me. For one thing, cops shouldn’t get in someone’s face. Literally. Distance creates a sense of safety for the “stressed” individual and gives them more time to react should things go seriously sideways.

Do you know how to de-escalate a potentially violent confrontation, so you don’t have to use your gun? Here’s a tip from a former hypnotist: ask the potential perp where they got their shoes. “Nice shoes! Where’d you get them?” Seriously. It makes them look away and interrupts their train of thought. What techniques do you use?