What does the principle of “verbal judo” focus on?

The principle of "verbal judo" centers around using communication techniques to de-escalate confrontational situations. This method emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding the perspective of the person you are communicating with. By applying verbal judo, officers can defuse potentially volatile encounters without resorting to physical force, thereby promoting a more peaceful resolution to conflicts.

This approach not only enhances communication skills but also fosters better relationships between law enforcement and the community by showing respect and understanding. The focus on minimizing confrontation through empathy allows officers to maintain control over situations more effectively, as it encourages cooperation rather than combativeness. This makes the use of verbal judo a valuable tool in effective policing and conflict resolution.