More Than 200 Officers Trained in De-Escalation, Use of Force & Community Engagement Tactics in 2022

RALEIGH, N.C. – Between May and October, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the N.C. Justice Academy have provided day-long De-Escalation, Use of Force and Community Engagement Training to more than 200 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers in the Eastern District of North Carolina. Approximately 75 law enforcement agencies participated in the training.

“This training, which is part of our Civil Rights Initiative, gives law enforcement the tools, tactics, and best practices to defuse and de-escalate situations by mitigating the need for or use of force.  De-escalation techniques reduce injuries and preserve the safety of law enforcement officers and the public,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “In addition to providing training for dealing with ‘in the moment’ situations, the agenda also focused on the benefits of ongoing community engagement by law enforcement to build long-term, sustainable community trust. Taking the time to listen, learn and gain perspective creates a basis for developing collaborative solutions that make our communities safer.”

Sessions were offered in multiple locations to maximize the opportunity for participation. Training sessions were offered in Raleigh, Greenville, Castle Hayne, Ahoskie, and Fayetteville. The agenda included sessions on addressing use of force incidents, a review of civil rights laws and hate crimes, and best practices in community policing. The community engagement section was led by N.C. Department of Public Safety Secretary Eddie Buffaloe, who previously served as the Chief of Police in Elizabeth City, N.C.

The training is part of the U.S. Attorney’s Civil Rights Initiative which includes community outreach and engagement designed to increase awareness of existing civil rights protections and how to spot and avoid civil rights violations.