Patrol Tactics & De-Escalation

Patrol Tactics 24-Hour In-Service Course

Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC)
Course Overview

The Patrol Tactics 24-Hour In-Service Course incorporates the Five Overarching Principles of Legal Authority, Threat Management, Position and Movement, Communication and Equipment management to enhance law enforcement officers’ decision-making and de-escalation skills in accordance with Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 139-11 and the Attorney General Model Use of Force Policy. The course integrates scenario-based training to improve officer safety, de-escalation skills, critical life-saving skills, and public trust.

Course Goals & Learning Objectives

This training aims to increase officer safety, reduce the likelihood of force applications, and enhance critical thinking in law enforcement contacts.

Key Training Areas

1. Scene Safety & Pace Control
   • Strategies to assess, manage, and control critical incidents.
   • Use of Time, Distance, and Shielding to mitigate risk.
2. Legal Decision-Making & Tactical Application
   • Making sound legal decisions during community contacts.
   • Effective positioning, movement, and threat assessment.
3. Communication & De-escalation
   • Enhancing communication skills to increase the options for resolving incidents and reduce the likelihood of injury to all parties involved.
4. Patrol Operations & Response Tactics
   • Conducting safe vehicle contacts, person contacts, and structure clearing.
5. Behavioral Health Response
   • Recognizing and managing mental health crises and substance abuse disorders.
   • Utilizing appropriate resources and intervention techniques.
6. Use of Force & Officer Safety Strategies
   • Understanding force application within legal parameters.
   • Practicing high-risk handcuffing, position and movement, equipment management, and threat management.
7. Critical Life Saving Skills
   • Performing critical first aid to prevent loss of life.
   • Enhancing officers’ ability to stabilize medical emergencies before EMS arrival.

Prerequisites

• Washington State Peace Officer Certification is required for enrollment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the CJTC know about / document department in-house PTIS training?

All 24-hour PTIS Violence De-escalation training is documented in the Acadis Learning Management System. Either the departments Lead Patrol Tactics Instructor or a department Acadis representative submits a request for a class. The PTI team verifies the information provided and can limit in the Acadis portal who can view or register for the training to only the agency.  Once that is done the agency can register their officers for the course. At the conclusion of the training, the agency rep or PTI Lead submits the documents to the Acadis portal, and the PTI Team verifies all information is submitted and graduates the students providing them credit for the course.

I am a certified Patrol Tactics Instructor.  Do I still need to attend the training?

The 80-hour Patrol Tactics Instructor course counts towards the Violence De-escalation training requirement in the 3-year cycle of when you completed the instructor course.  After that 3-year cycle you are still required to attend the training.

What are the PTI training requirements for new and existing officers?

Existing peace officers are required under the Law Enforcement Training and Community Safety Act (LETCSA) to complete 24 hours of PTI training is required every 3 years. These hours can be satisfied through one in-person course: Patrol Tactics 24 Hour In-Service (course 2194).

Incoming peace officers complete PTI during basic training through CJTC's Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA). BLEA curriculum can be viewed here. 

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