De-Escalation Conversations

014 - The Fallacy of Only One Correct Course of Action in De-Escalation - with Adam Kinakin

June 12, 2023 Sgt. Kerry Mensior (Ret.) Season 1 Episode 14
014 - The Fallacy of Only One Correct Course of Action in De-Escalation - with Adam Kinakin
De-Escalation Conversations
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De-Escalation Conversations
014 - The Fallacy of Only One Correct Course of Action in De-Escalation - with Adam Kinakin
Jun 12, 2023 Season 1 Episode 14
Sgt. Kerry Mensior (Ret.)

On this episode of De-Escalation Conversations podcast, host Kerry Mensior speaks with guest Adam Kinakin about the importance of  De-Escalation tactics in Law Enforcement. 

We discuss the connection between appearance and success in personal and professional development, and the totality of circumstances involved in using force. Adam shares a personal experience and emphasizes the need for better education and communication with the public about the challenges of Law Enforcement. 

Additionally, we discuss the importance of training and planning for success in high-pressure situations. Later in the episode, they shift focus to the value of collaboration, partnerships, and shared mission and values in achieving social impact. Tune in for insight on  De-Escalation tactics and creating meaningful partnerships.

[00:01:34]  De-Escalation is misunderstood. Communication is crucial, but  De-Escalation involves minimizing harm, and phrasing it as a catch-all term causes confusion.

[00:07:38] Discussion on using scientific data to understand human behavior, including  De-Escalation  and verbal judo techniques. Emphasis on individual variance and need to educate the public on realistic outcomes in Law Enforcement. Importance of Officer appearance and behavior in leaving positive impressions on civilians.

[00:12:46] Appearance and presentation play a vital role in situations such as  De-Escalation scenarios, and officers need to consider every aspect of the circumstance for success.

[00:20:12] Fluid decision-making in training scenarios, with instructors allowing leeway, improves outcomes. Scenarios should not be pass/fail as the world is more complex. Every human being is different, and instructors should let officers make decisions within their understanding.

[00:26:36] Jim was a new Sergeant in a situation with a suspect barricaded in a bathroom with knives; he  De-Escalated  the situation and got the suspect to surrender peacefully.

[00:30:06] Pre-planning and training greatly increase chances of success in dangerous situations, such as combat patrols or law enforcement. Practice and rehearsals are necessary to achieve desired responses. The lesson applies to all situations, including the behavior of new officers.

[00:36:52] Police training budgets are often the first to be cut, leading to outdated restrictions on training hours. Training silos are also a problem, but interleaving techniques can help. 

[00:42:10] Trust, values, mission, feasible goals, and ethics are the driving factors of choosing who to work with. Profit is a byproduct of doing the right thing. ILET has a culture of dedicated members with the goal of making the world a better place.



IDEA - the International De-Escalation Association, is dedicated to Saving Lives, Reputations, & Relationships through Conflict De-Escalation & Communication Training for Teachers, Parents, and Public Safety Providers.

Find more about
How to Calm an Angry Person in 90 Seconds or Less
Come visit us at the IDEA website (International De-Escalation Association):
https://TheIdea.World

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to stay up to date on the latest news and blogs about Schools, Police, Fire, Medical Services and Flight Attendants.

Do you or your organization need Communication Skills and De-Escalation Training? You can reach us directly at: Team@TheIdea.World or by filling out a contact form at https://www.TheIdea.World/contact

Show Notes

On this episode of De-Escalation Conversations podcast, host Kerry Mensior speaks with guest Adam Kinakin about the importance of  De-Escalation tactics in Law Enforcement. 

We discuss the connection between appearance and success in personal and professional development, and the totality of circumstances involved in using force. Adam shares a personal experience and emphasizes the need for better education and communication with the public about the challenges of Law Enforcement. 

Additionally, we discuss the importance of training and planning for success in high-pressure situations. Later in the episode, they shift focus to the value of collaboration, partnerships, and shared mission and values in achieving social impact. Tune in for insight on  De-Escalation tactics and creating meaningful partnerships.

[00:01:34]  De-Escalation is misunderstood. Communication is crucial, but  De-Escalation involves minimizing harm, and phrasing it as a catch-all term causes confusion.

[00:07:38] Discussion on using scientific data to understand human behavior, including  De-Escalation  and verbal judo techniques. Emphasis on individual variance and need to educate the public on realistic outcomes in Law Enforcement. Importance of Officer appearance and behavior in leaving positive impressions on civilians.

[00:12:46] Appearance and presentation play a vital role in situations such as  De-Escalation scenarios, and officers need to consider every aspect of the circumstance for success.

[00:20:12] Fluid decision-making in training scenarios, with instructors allowing leeway, improves outcomes. Scenarios should not be pass/fail as the world is more complex. Every human being is different, and instructors should let officers make decisions within their understanding.

[00:26:36] Jim was a new Sergeant in a situation with a suspect barricaded in a bathroom with knives; he  De-Escalated  the situation and got the suspect to surrender peacefully.

[00:30:06] Pre-planning and training greatly increase chances of success in dangerous situations, such as combat patrols or law enforcement. Practice and rehearsals are necessary to achieve desired responses. The lesson applies to all situations, including the behavior of new officers.

[00:36:52] Police training budgets are often the first to be cut, leading to outdated restrictions on training hours. Training silos are also a problem, but interleaving techniques can help. 

[00:42:10] Trust, values, mission, feasible goals, and ethics are the driving factors of choosing who to work with. Profit is a byproduct of doing the right thing. ILET has a culture of dedicated members with the goal of making the world a better place.



IDEA - the International De-Escalation Association, is dedicated to Saving Lives, Reputations, & Relationships through Conflict De-Escalation & Communication Training for Teachers, Parents, and Public Safety Providers.

Find more about
How to Calm an Angry Person in 90 Seconds or Less
Come visit us at the IDEA website (International De-Escalation Association):
https://TheIdea.World

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to stay up to date on the latest news and blogs about Schools, Police, Fire, Medical Services and Flight Attendants.

Do you or your organization need Communication Skills and De-Escalation Training? You can reach us directly at: Team@TheIdea.World or by filling out a contact form at https://www.TheIdea.World/contact