Welcome to the COPS DeTal Center: When We Know Better, We Can Do Better, and We Can Be Better

Authors: Schon, McClure, & Rees

Every day, law enforcement and community members face situations that call for patience, trust, and clear communication. That’s where the COPS DeTal Center comes in. Supported by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), through the U.S. Department of Justice, the De-escalation Training through Active Learning Center (DeTal) was created to provide officers and communities with practical tools, evidence-based training, and shared learning opportunities that strengthen relationships and promote safer outcomes when community members and officers engage with each other. Our mission is simple: equip officers and community members with the skills and confidence to navigate challenging situations safely and effectively.

What We Do

At the DeTal Center, we develop and test hands-on, wellness-focused de-escalation training through simulations and training content that provide officers with the tools to manage stress and think clearly in high-stakes situations. We also gather community member perspectives to ensure training reflects real-world perspectives and builds lasting trust. Our goal is to create a collaborative effort for de-escalation training, assessment, and evaluation that law enforcement officers and community members contribute to.

Three Things That Sets DeTal apart from other training programs

1. Police-Community Collaboration: Training is co-designed and co-taught with both officers and community members, strengthening communication, trust, and problem-solving.
2. Wellness at the Core: Focuses on officer wellness by integrating self-care, caring for others, mental health awareness, and stress management involving on-the-job tactical and interpersonal skills.
3. Hands-On Practice and Feedback: Uses online, simulation-based practice with reflection and feedback to improve both officer performance and the training itself. 

Why It Matters

By combining rigorous training with community-informed approaches, the DeTal Center supports safer, more effective policing, strengthens trust between officers and the communities they serve, and promotes officer wellness in real time, not just after the fact, which builds safer communities for everyone.

How YOU Can Help

At the DeTal Center, we know the best ideas come from the people living these experiences every day. That’s why we want to hear from you. What does de-escalation mean in your community? By sharing your stories and insights, you help us shape training that is practical, inclusive, and effective for both officers and community members. Scan the QR code if you’re interested in participating.

Want to hear more? Tune into the DeTal podcast on YouTube: COPS WIU DeTal Center

Check out our Instagram: @wiu_copsdetal

Check out our website too!: https://www.cops-detal-center.com/

“What is De-escalation?” Scan the first QR code below to take the 10-minute anonymous survey!

Want to participate in de-escalation training? Scan the second QR code below!