Deeskalation: Polizeiliche Kommunikationsfähigkeit und konfliktreduzierende Handlungskompetenz

In this article, we illustrate the scope of de-escalative communication and the ability to mitigate interpersonal conflict and demonstrate its relevance as a key competency in law enforcement. Both are superior to the use of other resources that officers rely on, including the use of force. Communication determines the interaction between police and the public from the beginning of the encounter to its end. Our argument is rooted in a review of relevant literature, which we juxtapose with the currently prevalent focus in police training, in order to show gaps between theory and practice. We conclude by providing tangible avenues for future research and pointers for the design of evidence-based and critically reflected communication trainings.