Transparency | De-escalation Deep Dive

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NYPD Policy Reference

Patrol Guide PG 221-01: Use of Force

Officers should employ verbal persuasion when possible and explain actions to gain voluntary compliance. Communicating the reasoning behind police actions reduces uncertainty, builds legitimacy, and increases the likelihood of peaceful resolution. Procedural justice research demonstrates that people are more likely to comply when they understand why actions are being taken.

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Best Practice Examples

Best Practice

Explaining Robot Deployment

Officer Messia 0:00 - 0:20 Kent Edwards Incident

Officer proactively explains the reason for using a robot, connecting it directly to officer safety needs while maintaining a calm, instructional tone.

"The reason why we have to use this robot is because you won't come to the hallway with your hands in front of you so that we know everything's okay. We talked about this earlier. It's just a robot."

Best Practice

Framing Safety Procedures

Officer Messia 0:30 - 0:55 Kent Edwards Incident

Officer clearly explains the purpose behind their request, positioning compliance as beneficial to both parties while maintaining transparency about their objectives.

"So this allows us to be able to see you to make sure that you're okay, that you're telling us the truth that you don't have a gun. That's all. Ishmael, why don't you want to come with us after you ask for help?"

Best Practice

Referencing Previous Explanations

Officer Brower 1:27 - 1:48 Kent Edwards Incident

Officer maintains transparency by referencing earlier explanations and highlighting resources (paramedics waiting) that demonstrate genuine concern for the subject's wellbeing.

"We can't just give it to you. We explained that, Ishmael. The first time I talked to you earlier, I explained to you. There's paramedics that have been waiting for two hours to help you. For two hours. All you need to do is stand right there."

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Needs Improvement Examples

Needs Improvement

Commands Without Context

Officer Tavarez 1:53 - 2:11 King Wong Incident

Rapid commands are issued without any explanation of why compliance is necessary or what will happen. The subject has no context for understanding the situation.

"Don't f***ing move! Don't f***ing move! Put the knife down! Put it down!"

Needs Improvement

High-Intensity Commands Only

Officer Coissy 1:45 - 2:04 King Wong Incident

While urgency may be warranted, the lack of any explanatory communication makes it harder for a confused or impaired subject to understand what's expected.

"Get on the f***ing ground right now! Get on the f***ing ground! Put the f***ing knife down!"

Needs Improvement

Directive Without Explanation

Officer Ponce 1:08 - 1:30 Geoffrey Parris Incident

Officer gives directives but doesn't explain why the door needs to be opened or what the conversation will be about, creating uncertainty and potential resistance.

"Just open the door. We gotta talk. Just open the door and talk. We gotta tell you what to do."

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How to Improve

Instead of

"Put the knife down! Get on the ground!"

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Try

"I need you to put the knife down so I can talk to you safely. We're here to help you, but I can't do that while you're holding that."

Instead of

"Open the door! We need to talk!"

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Try

"We're here because someone called for help. I'd like to talk to you about what's going on. Can you open the door so we can figure this out together?"

Instead of

"Show me your hands!"

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Try

"I need to see your hands so I know you're safe and I'm safe. Once I can see them, we can talk about what's going on."

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Key Takeaways

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Explain the "Why"

Connect commands to clear reasons - safety, help, or resolution - so subjects understand the purpose behind requests.

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Frame for Both Parties

Position actions as beneficial to both officer and subject: "This helps me help you safely."

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Reference Prior Communication

Remind subjects of previous explanations to maintain continuity and reinforce that you've been transparent.

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Highlight Resources

Make support visible - paramedics waiting, help available - to demonstrate genuine concern for wellbeing.

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Discussion Questions

How much explanation is appropriate in an urgent situation vs. a low-threat encounter?
When might too much explanation actually slow down a necessary response?
How can officers balance transparency with tactical considerations about not revealing their full plan?
What's the difference between explaining "why" vs. negotiating or bargaining?
How does transparency affect the subject's perception of police legitimacy?