Police-Encounters-With-People-In-Crisis

(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
knowledge of applicable laws;
verbal communication skills (demonstrating professionalism with the
public, preventing conflict, de-escalating volatile situations, using
appropriate tone and active listening, and building rapport);
written communication skills;
knowledge of TPS structure and procedures;
knowledge of community composition and resources;
officer safety;
use of force;
police vehicle operations;
commitment (empathy and desire to help others, personal initiative, and
professional discipline);
self-confidence (leadership, knowledge of strengths and limitations, and
reliance on support systems);
mental preparedness (visualizing and role playing scenarios and mentally
preparing for critical activities);
focus (common sense, practical resolutions, and controlling the pace of
crisis situations); and
(m) seeking feed-back and conducting self-evaluations. 23
23. The OPC Coach Officer Manual provides advice on improving trainees’
performance in each skill area, including rehearsing plans of action based on calls heard
on the radio or before performing a particular task, providing additional exposure to the
public on foot patrol or by meeting with community leaders, and practising how to
differentiate behavioural levels within the Ontario Use of Force Model (described in
Chapter 10 (Use of Force)). The Manual further recommends debriefing after every call,
providing positive feedback when deserved, and discussing successful calls in order to
reinforce effective performance patterns. 24
24. Although new recruits are not required to attend every kind of call listed in the
Manual during their probationary period, their coach officer must at least walk them
through the issues and responses for each kind of call that is not directly encountered. 25
23
Id. at 13-14.
24
Id. at 136.
25
Id. at 6.
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