Controlling Violence
De-escalation Techniques
Effective de-escalation can prevent violence and save lives. Use these proven techniques to calm volatile situations.
Use Calm Voice
Speak in a steady, calm, and low voice. Avoid shouting or raising your voice, which can escalate the situation. Your tone should convey control and reassurance.
Maintain Eye Contact
Make appropriate eye contact to show you are engaged and listening, but avoid staring intensely, which can be perceived as threatening or challenging.
Keep Hands Visible
Keep your hands visible and open. Avoid putting hands in pockets or behind your back, which may be perceived as reaching for a weapon.
Active Listening
Listen carefully to what the person is saying. Acknowledge their concerns and feelings without necessarily agreeing with their actions or demands.
Respect Personal Space
Maintain appropriate distance. Do not approach too closely, as this may be perceived as threatening. Give the person space to feel safe.
Offer Alternatives
When appropriate, suggest alternative solutions to their concerns. Help them see other ways to resolve their issues without violence.
When There is a FIGHT
Follow these procedures immediately when witnessing or responding to a physical altercation.
1
Critical
Contact Public Safety
Contact Public Safety immediately at 601-977-7857. This is your first and most important action.
2
Important
Manage Bystanders
Keep other students as calm as possible and remove them from the area. Clear the space to prevent escalation.
3
Critical
Do Not Physically Intervene
Do not attempt to physically break up the fight unless someone's life is in imminent danger. Your safety is paramount.
4
Important
Verbal De-escalation
Calmly talk with the instigator to calm him/her. Use a steady, non-threatening voice and avoid confrontational language.
5
Important
Gather Information
Learn as much as you can about the cause of the conflict between the subjects. This information will help Public Safety.
6
Important
Explore Alternatives
Attempt to assist subjects in exploring better alternatives to settling the dispute through peaceful resolution.
When an Individual Pulls a Weapon and Threatens Violence
This is an extremely dangerous situation requiring immediate, careful response to protect lives.
1
Critical
Contact Public Safety Immediately
Contact Public Safety immediately at 601-977-7857. If possible, have someone else make the call while you focus on the situation.
2
Critical
Comply with Demands
Always do as the individual demands. Your life and the lives of others depend on avoiding escalation of violence.
3
Critical
Avoid Sudden Movements
Do not make sudden moves which could frighten the subject. Move slowly and deliberately at all times.
4
Critical
Never Argue
Never argue with the individual. Agree with them verbally while focusing on keeping everyone safe.
5
Important
Gather Intelligence
Learn as much as you can about what is going on with the subject. This information may be crucial for response.
6
Important
Maintain Focus
Keep the subject's attention on you, not on the other students. This protects others from becoming targets.
7
Important
Mental Documentation
Mentally record a detailed description of the individual and the weapon for later reporting to authorities.
8
Important
Note Touched Objects
Remember what objects the intruder touches and preserve them for evidence. Do not disturb potential evidence.
9
Critical
If Violence Escalates
If the subject begins to behave violently or fire a gun, tell students to get away from the person and lie on the floor.
10
Critical
Physical Force Last Resort
Physical force should not be used unless someone's life is in imminent danger and no other options exist.
Critical Safety Actions
These actions can mean the difference between life and death in violent situations. Remember them always.
Call Immediately
Always contact Public Safety at 601-977-7857 as your first action. Professional responders are trained for these situations.
Prioritize Safety
Your safety and the safety of others is the top priority. Do not take heroic actions that could escalate violence.
Protect Bystanders
Remove bystanders from the area when possible. Fewer people in the vicinity means fewer potential victims.
Stay Mentally Alert
Observe and remember details about the situation, individuals involved, and any weapons for later reporting to authorities.
Avoid Escalation
Never challenge, argue with, or attempt to disarm someone with a weapon unless life is in imminent danger.
Buy Time
Keep the person talking and calm while help is on the way. Time allows for professional responders to arrive.
How to Preserve Evidence
It is critically important to preserve the crime scene and never touch, move or disturb any possible evidence or objects at the site.
What to Document:
- Physical Description: Height, weight, clothing, distinctive features, scars, tattoos
- Weapon Details: Type, size, color, any distinctive markings or characteristics
- Verbal Statements: Exact words spoken, tone of voice, accent or speech patterns
- Behavior Patterns: How they moved, nervous habits, aggressive gestures
- Timeline: When events occurred, duration of incident, sequence of actions
- Objects Touched: Doors, furniture, personal items that may contain fingerprints
Remember: Your Observations Matter
Every detail you observe and remember can be crucial for law enforcement investigation and prosecution. Write down details as soon as it is safe to do so.
Emergency Response Contact
In any violent situation, your immediate response can save lives. Contact Public Safety without delay.
Remember: Every Life Matters
Violence prevention is everyone's responsibility. By following these procedures, you help create a safer campus environment for the entire Tougaloo College community.