Citation

Mehari KR, Rodgers CRR, Blanton MA, Turner LA. Int. J. Law Crime Justice 2021; 66: e100491.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.ijlcj.2021.100491

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study reports the development and evaluation of a police training workshop on de-escalating situations with trauma-exposed youth. The training was developed using a participatory action framework, with the goal of increasing knowledge of adolescent development and the impact of trauma, and promoting skills for de-escalating situations with adolescents. A mixed methods study was conducted to explore the effectiveness of the workshop. Participants were 98 current police officers and recruits. Following the training, knowledge about adolescents and self-efficacy for dealing with adolescents increased, and anxiety about working with adolescents decreased. Open-ended responses indicated that the training was well received. A brief intervention can promote police officers' knowledge of adolescents, self-efficacy, and ease in interacting with adolescents. Future research should build on these findings to determine if these changes lead to a decrease in the use of force in interactions with adolescents.

Language: en

Keywords

De-escalation; Juvenile; Police; Training; Trauma