Are South Orange Police Officers trained to verbally de-escalate a situation before resorting to using force?


Yes, being able to verbally de-escalate a situation encompasses a multitude of factors. While training at the police academy, South Orange Police Officers receive instruction in: Basics of Community Oriented Policing, Law Enforcement Responsibility to Provide Community Service, Awareness of Emotional Reactions, Cultural Diversity, Crisis Intervention, Handling Individuals with Special Needs, Problem Solving, Racially Influenced Policing, Alcoholism as a Disease, and Handling Intoxicated individuals. Immediately on graduation the new officer is assigned to a Field Training Officer to undergo a formal seven week (minimum) course of familiarization and on-the-job instruction in the specifics of the South Orange Police Department policy, procedures, and methodology. Such instruction includes practical experience de-escalating a variety of situations. Recently the South Orange Police Department has hired outside experts to provide training for our supervisory staff in both de-escalation and lawful/unlawful application behind use of force.

It should be noted that because of the unique, rapidly developing, and unpredictable circumstances sometimes presented to officers, not every call for service affords the responding officer(s) the opportunity to de-escalate a situation.

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1. What is the hiring process like to become a South Orange Police Officer?
2. What type of continuing education and or training does a South Orange Police Officer receive during their career?
3. Why is the word PROUD written on the back of all of the department’s police vehicles?
4. Do South Orange Police Officer’s currently wear body worn cameras?
5. What is the Primary function of the Internal Affairs Unit at The South Orange Police Department?
6. Does the South Orange Police Department have an early warning system which identifies problematic behavior or actions prior to them becoming a much larger issue?
7. Can an anonymous person file a complaint against a South Orange Police Officer?
8. Does the South Orange Police Department have a Use of Force policy?
9. Are South Orange Police Officers trained to verbally de-escalate a situation before resorting to using force?
10. Are there any circumstances where a South Orange Police Officer is permitted to use excessive force?
11. Can a South Orange Police Officer shoot at or from a moving vehicle?
12. Are South Orange Police Officers required to intervene if they witness another officer using excessive force?
13. Are South Orange Police Officers required to report incidents where they have used force?
14. What is the difference between a Use of Force Report and a complaint of excessive force?
15. What use of force options are available to a South Orange Police Officer?
16. Under what circumstances may a South Orange Police Officer use physical or mechanical force?
17. Under what circumstances may a South Orange Police Officer use deadly force?
18. Are South Orange Police Officers permitted to use chokeholds?
19. If a South Orange Police Officer uses force during an encounter, are they trained to administer the necessary medical aid to the subject should it be required?
20. Do the South Orange Police Department’s policies and procedures regarding Use of Force align with the “8 Can’t Wait” campaign?
21. Does the South Orange Police Department have any options in place to redirect juvenile offenders out of the criminal justice system?
22. What is the level of police involvement with youth and in schools (specifically, DARE, LEAD, SROs, and athletics)?
23. Does the South Orange Police Department currently have a civilian review board?
24. What types of calls for service does a South Orange Police Officer respond to? What other resources does South Orange have to reduce the number of calls to the police?
25. Does the racial makeup of the South Orange Police Department reflect the community it serves?
26. How can I obtain a copy of a police report?
27. How do I apply for a firearms ID card and/or a handgun permit?
28. Where I can I learn more about the South Orange Village Digital Video System?