PFD260 - Crisis Intervention and Defensive Tactics

Subject Title
Crisis Intervention and Defensive Tactics

Subject Description

PFD260 focuses on stressful interactions where an officer may be required to use force to gain control of a situation.  Students will build a legal foundation by examining the statutes and case law associated to the use of force.  They will be exposed to basic tactics, communication strategies and physical control techniques that can be used in tandem to gain control of a violent or potentially violent situation.  Students will conduct case studies on real-world examples, where they incorporate legislation, case law, use of force theory, communication strategies and academic research.

Credit Status

This is a credit subject in the Police Foundations Diploma Program.  This course helps students to demonstrate achievement of the following Program Learning Outcomes:

•           Complete all tasks in compliance with pertinent legislation, as well as policing standards, regulations and guidelines.
•           Analyze all relevant information and make effective and legally defensible decisions in accordance with ethical and professional standards.
•           Be accountable for one's actions when carrying out all tasks.
•          Monitor, evaluate and document behaviour, situations and events accurately and discreetly in compliance with legal, professional, ethical and organizational requirements.
•          Mitigate risks and maintain order by applying effective strategies in crisis, conflict and emergency situations.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Understand the legal rights and responsibilities involved with the legal and ethical use of force, while taking into consideration the Use of Force Model.
2. Evaluate defensive tactics and non-violent crisis intervention techniques.
3. Discuss examples of the use of force by law enforcement and public safety officers.
4.  Describe the legal responsibilities and justifications for the use of force in law enforcement contexts.
5. Consider pre-attack indicators and signs of potential threat.
6. Understand strategies and techniques for non-violent intervention that can mitigate confrontations with individuals where there is a potential for physical violence.
7. Evaluate methods for utilizing physical tactics to restrain aggressive individuals in a secure and safe fashion.
8. Consider the psychological and physiological responses that may occur during a confrontation including the phenomenon of excited delirium.
9. Consider techniques (verbal and physical) that can de-escalate situations involving the potential use of weapons by an individual.
10. Evaluate verbal and tactical communication to assist in a crisis situation.
11. Understand how medical issues, mental health challenges, and substance abuse can affect an individual's perceptions and actions in a stressful situation.

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.