De-escalation training has long been recognized by policymakers, community leaders, and experts as an essential tool to help officers respond effectively, build trust, and minimize the use of force during interactions. Research shows, however, that a wide variety of de-escalation training curricula exist that can vary considerably in their content, delivery methods, and duration.

In light of this, the National Policing Institute (NPI), in partnership with the Institute for Intergovernmental Research (IIR), will assist the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) and other Department of Justice (DOJ) partners in establishing a process and platform for the review and approval of de-escalation training for law enforcement officers and covered mental health professionals that aligns with the criteria and intentions laid out within the bipartisan Law Enforcement De-escalation Training Act of 2022.

Specifically, the project team will: (1) Contribute to developing standards to guide the approval of de-escalation training curricula. (2) Develop a process for reviewing, approving, and continuously assessing de-escalation training curricula and develop resources to support applicants in submitting and continuously assessing training curricula. (3) Develop and maintain an online platform for training curricula submission, review, and approval. (4) Create a public catalog of approved de-escalation training curricula.