This report seeks authorization from the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) for the Executive Director to enter into a contract with the GTA for an amount not to exceed $500,000. The operating amount would come from existing POST funding that is to be directed, in part, toward de-escalation projects. 

The establishment of this contract would form a partnership with POST and GTA to create a de-escalation best practices document for the field. Effort and time would be maximized as GTA would manage the larger and ongoing administrative portions of  project. POST personnel would provide continual oversight by working alongside GTA personnel and Subject Matter Experts at various points throughout the project and in the formation of the final document. POST's intent is that this document will be used as a resource and training tool to increase the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies and their personnel in working with the communities they serve.

The POST Budget included a one-time allocation of $25 million for law enforcement training. This amount includes $15 million for use of force and de-escalation training, $5 million for crisis intervention mental health training, and $5 million for grants to support innovative training programs. The funding supports curriculum development and local assistance in the form of subsidies for law enforcement agencies to attend training.

Today’s peace officers have better equipment and technology than ever before, but the fact remains that nearly every encounter between a police officer and a member of the public begins and ends with words. Officers are safer and more effective when communication skills are used to their strategic advantage. Law enforcement personnel must understand how the principles of de-escalation can provide effective tools during contacts with the public and result in improved decision-making, reduction in situational intensity, and providing opportunities for outcomes with greater voluntary compliance.

POST, through the Management Counseling and Projects Bureau (MCPB), and in conjunction with GTA, plans to research de-escalation through a summit, which will bring together Subject Matter Experts from among law enforcement, academia, and other disciplines. This summit will be followed by focused workshops, ultimately resulting in the creation of a publication on de-escalation best practices for use by POST and California police organizations and their personnel. The publication is intended to be used as a resource for educational and training purposes, and to assist in agency policy development to enhance community – police relations.

Staff recommends the Commission authorize the Executive Director to enter into a contractual agreement with GTA, for an amount not to exceed $500,000, to research and create a de-escalation best practices document for use by POST and California law enforcement agencies and trainers.