Arissa Viering | 7/29/2020| Goodday Mineral Wells | Mineral Wells Police Department Updates
MINERAL WELLS, TX – On July 21st and 22nd, 2020, the Mineral Wells Police Department underwent comprehensive de-escalation training. With a total of thirty-four police officers, MWPD ensured that each officer participated in the de-escalation training course, a course that is conducted annually for MWPD.
Lt. Darby Thomas explained the process and the value of the de-escalation training:
“De-escalation is highly important . . . The training provided by the Texas Municipal Police Association is about recognizing situations where ‘slowing down’ is important.”
The de-escalation training is based on a critical thinking model that encourages the following:
- Gathering as much information as possible and fully assessing the environment upon arrival to the scene
- Conflict-resolution techniques
- Awareness of scenarios where de-escalation is vital
A few of the practice scenarios demonstrated during the training included the following:
- De-escalation of a ‘Suicide by Cop’ situation
- Individuals displaying violence upon arrival
- Individuals with sensory processing disorders, autism, speech difficulties, or special needs
- Individuals in a mental crisis
Sgt. Justin Stine discussed how imperative the de-escalation course was for both new and vetted officers at MWPD:
“Personally, I think it’s just good training. It helps prevent certain escalations. We need to be as well-trained and well-versed as possible. We wanted to get out in front of this by performing this training and, with what occurred with George Floyd, we all wanted a refresher.”
The Mineral Wells Police Department affirmed that the course provided necessary tools and techniques that would benefit officers in the line of duty now and in the future.
Former Co-Founder | June 2020-Nov 2020 | Graduate of Texas Christian University with a background in medical anthropology, psychology, and creative writing. Passionate about writing novels. Loved the Mineral Wells community and all that it had offered her and her family.
