3 answers
Ciara
Student
Rochester, Minnesota
1
Question
Updated
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How and what do you do handle situations with hostile or aggravated people involved with law enforcement ?
I'm a senior in high school going to study criminal justice in college.
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3 answers
James Hammond
Criminal Investigator at Dallas County District Attorney's Office
40
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
James’s Answer
Assess the situation. Make every effort to de-escalate the situation but always mindful of any escalation that would rise to the level of presenting a risk to officer safety. Be aware of the spatial relationship between you and the other person, also noting the other person's body language.
Remain disinterested, meaning remain open, flexible and unbiased. Be mindful of your tone and volume, maintaining your role as a professional law enforcement officer. Maintain a continuous rapport. Recognize that many times when people are upset, they are not really listening, they are just waiting to interrupt. Often, it's taught that law enforcement officers should display a "command presence", when in reality, you should display a "professional presence."
If the situation involves the arrest of a hostile person, remain professional. Never be ruled by adrenalin responding in anger or using profanity. Understand that they will often make personal comments, including making nefarious comments about your ancestry, etc.
Seek out training in de-escalation tactics.
Remain disinterested, meaning remain open, flexible and unbiased. Be mindful of your tone and volume, maintaining your role as a professional law enforcement officer. Maintain a continuous rapport. Recognize that many times when people are upset, they are not really listening, they are just waiting to interrupt. Often, it's taught that law enforcement officers should display a "command presence", when in reality, you should display a "professional presence."
If the situation involves the arrest of a hostile person, remain professional. Never be ruled by adrenalin responding in anger or using profanity. Understand that they will often make personal comments, including making nefarious comments about your ancestry, etc.
James recommends the following next steps:
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
480
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi Ciara, this is an interesting question, and James has given you terrific insights from the law enforcement side. The first link below reinforces his advice.
In your personal life, you may encounter hostile or aggravated people, too. I know that I have. The second link below addresses this situation. It repeats some of the same advice as the advice for law officer. This includes keeping your distance, speaking calmly, and letting them know that you hear what they are saying.
You should always seek to keep yourself safe, but that is especially true in this situation. If someone is having a mental health issue for which you are not trained, get help as soon as you can. This ends up being better for you and the person in distress.
Good luck!
Axon law officer de-escalation advice - https://www.axon.com/resources/de-escalation-techniques
General de-escalation advice - https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/psychosocial/strategies/Pages/managing-anger.aspx
In your personal life, you may encounter hostile or aggravated people, too. I know that I have. The second link below addresses this situation. It repeats some of the same advice as the advice for law officer. This includes keeping your distance, speaking calmly, and letting them know that you hear what they are saying.
You should always seek to keep yourself safe, but that is especially true in this situation. If someone is having a mental health issue for which you are not trained, get help as soon as you can. This ends up being better for you and the person in distress.
Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
1058
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Ciara, I can tell you as an African-American man, your willingness to obtain answers to your question and the ideal of pursuing criminal justice, you're entering a field where you can make meaningful change while navigating unique challenges that require both professional skills and personal awareness. Handling hostile or aggravated situations with law enforcement requires a multi-layered approach that combines de-escalation techniques, legal knowledge, and cultural competency. Your perspective as someone who understands both sides of police-community interactions could positions you to become an effective bridge-builder and advocate for fair, respectful law enforcement practices.
De-escalation forms the foundation of managing tense situations, and it starts with recognizing that aggravation often stems from fear, frustration, or feeling unheard. In my opinion active listening becomes your most powerful tool. This would allow people to express their concerns fully before responding helps reduce emotional intensity. I would highly suggest asking the law enforcement community to speak calmly and clearly, avoid defensive language, and acknowledge people's feelings even when you disagree with their actions. Your tone and body language communicate as much as your words, so maintaining open posture and respectful eye contact helps establish trust. These are the things I tell my 3 sons who are athletic, tall, and strong black men. Remember that many community members, particularly in African-American neighborhoods, may have had negative experiences with law enforcement, so building rapport often requires extra patience and genuine empathy.
Understanding your legal and ethical responsibilities protects both you and the people you serve. Know the limits of police authority, citizens' constitutional rights, and proper procedures for various situations. This knowledge helps you explain processes clearly to upset individuals and ensures your actions remain within legal boundaries. Document interactions thoroughly, objectively, and without bias as accurate records protect everyone involved and can be crucial if situations escalate or require review. Your criminal justice education will provide this foundation, but continue learning throughout your career as laws and best practices evolve. I would also highly suggest speaking with community leaders within the African-American community as well as other citizens within that community to gain a well rounded understanding and comprehension.
Your identity as law enforcement carries both opportunities and challenges that you should prepare for thoughtfully. You may find that community members relate to you differently, sometimes with increased trust but occasionally with skepticism about your role. Colleagues may also have varying reactions to your presence. Use these dynamics positively by becoming someone who helps build understanding between law enforcement and communities. Your lived experience gives you insights that can improve police-community relations when applied professionally and constructively.
Lastly I will leave you with this. Focus on building genuine relationships with community members before crisis situations arise. Participate in community events, support local initiatives, and demonstrate through consistent actions that you're committed to fair and respectful policing. When hostile situations do occur, your established credibility and relationships often provide the foundation for successful de-escalation. Remember that changing negative perceptions takes time and consistent effort, but your presence and approach in law enforcement can contribute to meaningful progress in police-community relations while building a rewarding career dedicated to justice and public service. I hope this serves of some value to you, but I wanted to provide you with one man’s opinion.
De-escalation forms the foundation of managing tense situations, and it starts with recognizing that aggravation often stems from fear, frustration, or feeling unheard. In my opinion active listening becomes your most powerful tool. This would allow people to express their concerns fully before responding helps reduce emotional intensity. I would highly suggest asking the law enforcement community to speak calmly and clearly, avoid defensive language, and acknowledge people's feelings even when you disagree with their actions. Your tone and body language communicate as much as your words, so maintaining open posture and respectful eye contact helps establish trust. These are the things I tell my 3 sons who are athletic, tall, and strong black men. Remember that many community members, particularly in African-American neighborhoods, may have had negative experiences with law enforcement, so building rapport often requires extra patience and genuine empathy.
Understanding your legal and ethical responsibilities protects both you and the people you serve. Know the limits of police authority, citizens' constitutional rights, and proper procedures for various situations. This knowledge helps you explain processes clearly to upset individuals and ensures your actions remain within legal boundaries. Document interactions thoroughly, objectively, and without bias as accurate records protect everyone involved and can be crucial if situations escalate or require review. Your criminal justice education will provide this foundation, but continue learning throughout your career as laws and best practices evolve. I would also highly suggest speaking with community leaders within the African-American community as well as other citizens within that community to gain a well rounded understanding and comprehension.
Your identity as law enforcement carries both opportunities and challenges that you should prepare for thoughtfully. You may find that community members relate to you differently, sometimes with increased trust but occasionally with skepticism about your role. Colleagues may also have varying reactions to your presence. Use these dynamics positively by becoming someone who helps build understanding between law enforcement and communities. Your lived experience gives you insights that can improve police-community relations when applied professionally and constructively.
Lastly I will leave you with this. Focus on building genuine relationships with community members before crisis situations arise. Participate in community events, support local initiatives, and demonstrate through consistent actions that you're committed to fair and respectful policing. When hostile situations do occur, your established credibility and relationships often provide the foundation for successful de-escalation. Remember that changing negative perceptions takes time and consistent effort, but your presence and approach in law enforcement can contribute to meaningful progress in police-community relations while building a rewarding career dedicated to justice and public service. I hope this serves of some value to you, but I wanted to provide you with one man’s opinion.