Instructor with Vistelar, a conflict prevention and management solution company, Dave Young teaches officers across the country that it’s not just about what you say but how you say it.
“We use physical force when our life is in immediate danger, but there is contact that happens before it escalates to that point.” Young said. “Let’s have everyone feel safe because we’re there, lets not be intimidating but welcoming and lets do that by our facial expressions, our body posture, how we stand, all those things can enforce a guardian mindset.”
Young says taking social media into consideration, it’s even more important for officers to be mindful of how they interact with people, from facial expressions to where they’re standing.
“Lets face it, great professionals can have a bad day and unfortunately the media and youtube sometimes shows that bad moment and that by no means shows that officer’s demeanor, poise and character.” Young said.
Mike Longevin, a sergeant from Vermont says he drov 14 hours for this training.
“Training like these I think will help us gain respect for our presence and give it to those that we are actually speaking to.’ Longevin said.
