Description
Tactical Communication & Crisis De-Escalation
Description
April 16, 2026
8am-5pm
One-day course on crisis communication and de-escalation skills. Learn to successfully navigate crisis encounters and mental health calls for service. The term de-escalation is used throughout law enforcement to describe what we already do well — talk to people. It’s what we don’t know or don’t do well that can complicate our encounters with community members. This course will teach officers essentials such as emotional intelligence, self-awareness, empathy, active listening skills, verbal and non-verbal communication, critical decision making, and post-incident debrief. Students will also learn legal issues concerning interactions with persons in crisis and the mentally ill. Course outcomes include increasing relationships, trust and partnerships with our communities and increased safety for officers and community members.
Course Details
| Modality | In-Person |
| Price | 200 |
| Presenter | Chief Paul Hartinger |
At the end of the training, Law Enforcement Officers/Personnel will:
- Identify key elements of de-escalation techniques.
- Define an officer’s duty to intercede when another officer is perceived to be using excessive force.
- Define the six elements of the Critical Decision-Making model.
- Demonstrate practical de-escalation techniques during role-play scenarios.
- Discuss court decisions and legal principles concerning law enforcement response to mental illness.
- Define the term ‘Hyperactive Delirium With Severe Agitation” and its common symptoms.
- Identify the four elements of the LOSS model.
- Identify the four elements of the LAST model.
- Discuss officer wellness and self-care.
Presenter: Chief Paul Hartinger (Retired), Law Enforcement Trainer & Educator
Chief Paul Hartinger has nearly forty years of law enforcement experience, with over twenty years of experience teaching and training in the public safety sector and is a certified ‘de-escalation’ instructor in various programs including PERF ICAT. Chief Hartinger is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, the FBI National Academy, and the Police Executive Leadership College. He continues to remain active in promoting and training law enforcement topics throughout the State of Ohio and beyond. He was the Public Safety Services Supervisor at Great Oaks where he led the training sections for Police, Fire and Firing Range. After helping to reform the range and increase police programming, he went back to teaching and training law enforcement officers around the country. Chief Hartinger has been a certified instructor for the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy/Commission [OPOTA/C] since 2002, and has taught topics from basic to advanced curriculum including Police Chief and Executive level programs. Chief Hartinger teaches Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) programs around the state, and is considered an expert in de-escalation training and mental health response.
Check Payment Policy:
If you prefer to pay by check, a $40 deposit or full payment is required to be sent in before a seat is reserved.
Cancellation Fee:
Due to the costs associated with our course offerings, the Center has implemented a 25% cancellation fee. Those costs relate to food and beverages purchased in advance and the fees we need pay to outside presenters. Cancellation fees will apply to those that do not show up for the course or those who cancel ahead of its offering. The Center appreciates your understanding.
*All courses are approved for continuing legal education by state authorizing bodies and are not courses for academic credit.
Want to know more?
Reach out to Dr. Charles Nemeth, Program Director, who would be happy to assist.
