Critical Communications Skills in Officer/Citizen Encounters Instructor Training Program

The FLETC's Critical Communications Skills in Officer/Citizen Encounters Instructor Training Program (CCSITP) was an engaging Center Advanced program meticulously crafted to train law enforcement academy instructors and field training officers (FTOs) in effective and critical communication skills during law enforcement/citizen encounters. These science-based and field-proven skills aim to defuse conflict by fostering a greater understanding of diverse communities and different communication styles. The curriculum draws support from peer-reviewed research and behavioral science.

Topics covered include implicit bias/explicit bias, duty to intervene, racial profiling, law enforcement fairness, intercultural communications, rapport building, Cylinder Model of Communication, Motivational Interviewing/ORBIT Model, and Cialdini’s Principles of Persuasion— all grounded in settled behavioral science and peer-reviewed research. The program incorporated these communication principles through lectures and lab exercises, allowing participants to practice the application of these skills. The ultimate objective was to achieve "de-escalation" during critical encounters.

Today, we proudly celebrated the graduation of the first class of this training, comprising delegations from Georgia, Hungary, Lebanon and Tunisia. Congratulations to all of you, and welcome to the expansive ILEA Family! Join us on the Alumni Portal to become part of our global community!