Pueblo Police get funding from Department of Justice for de-escalation training
PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Pueblo Police Department was awarded nearly $60,000 for de-escalation training thanks to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Fort Hays State University. According to the department, this will help teach officers new skills on how to de-escalate tense situations.
In 2022, the DOJ awarded Fort Hays State University’s (FHSU) Department of Criminal Justice to expand its operations of the Central Region De-escalation Training Center. Now, the Pueblo Police Department was awarded $58,186 to receive training from FHSU.
According to the National De-escalation Center, the training goes over gaining peaceful compliance through words rather than physical touch. Additionally, it helps police departments avoid lawsuits for officer and citizen injuries.
Chief Operating Officer for the National De-escalation Training Center David Dyer said the Pueblo Police Department got involved in the program last year. Dryer said Pueblo's first 16-hour class for officers happened in April 2022, and the first set of local trainers in Pueblo was certified in September.
Dryer said the greater goal of this training is to reduce the instances of the use of force.
"As many officers who we work with admit it's much easier to talk somebody into compliance than it is to fight them into compliance," said Dryer.
The Pueblo Police Department said the training needs to be approved by the state. The department hopes it's approved by the time the academy starts in February so they can implement it then.
