Home › Publications › Examining the Impact of Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics (ICAT) De-escalation Training for the Louisville Metro Police Department: Initial Findings

Report

Examining the Impact of Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics (ICAT) De-escalation Training for the Louisville Metro Police Department: Initial Findings

View

Publication Date

September 2020

Author(s)

Robin S. Engel, Nicholas Corsaro, Gabrielle T. Isaza, and Hannah D. McManus

Abstract

In 2019, researchers partnered with the Louisville (KY) Metro Police Department to conduct a robust multi-method study, including a randomized control trial component, which examined the impacts of Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics (ICAT) de-escalation training on officer attitudes, first-line supervisor functions and attitudes, and officer behavior including uses of force, citizen injury, and officer injury.

Most importantly, this research is the first known study to demonstrate significant changes in officer behavior as a direct result of de-escalation training. Specifically, this study demonstrated reductions in uses of force (-28%), citizen injuries (-26%), and officer injuries (-36%) that were directly attributed to de-escalation training.

Research Design

Randomized controlled trial (RCT)

Research Methods

Literature review, Observation / Participant observation, Surveys, Field-based experiment

Recommended Citation

Engel, R .S., Corsaro, N., Isaza, G. T., & McManus, H. D. (2020). Examining the impact of integrating communications, assessment, and tactics (ICAT) de-escalation training for the Louisville Metro Police Department: Initial findings. Cincinnati, OH: IACP/UC Center for Police Research and Policy.