1. De-escalation techniques
Fargo Police Department

2. Officer Jesseca White 8 years with Fargo PD Training Officer
Downtown Resource Officer
Defensive Tactics Instructor
CSI, PACT, DRE

3. Group

4. Librarian Lays down the law

5. Techniques for stressful situations:
Remain as calm as possible
Choose your words wisely
Tone of voice
Body Language
Use words to calm down the situation:
“I understand you’re upset…”
“I’m here to help you…”
Empathetic responses

6. Active Listening skills
Let them vent for a while
Listen and pick-up on the issues at hand
Re-touch on those issues you can help with
Show you are actively listening with your body language

7. Know your library Plan for situations that could happen
Active Shooter, Hostage Situation, Suicidal Person, Bomb Threat, etc.
Situational Awareness
Use your instincts
If something doesn’t feel right…
Be prepared for what might happen
Self defense classes
Weapon training
Escape plans

8. And know your patrons Get to know the regulars
Useful for several reasons
Extra set of eyes
Confidant
Make a point to meet/greet new faces
Establishing that you are not afraid to approach individuals sets a precedence
Using a certain tone of voice and body language sets a tone for future interactions

9. Stranger attacks
Victims were chosen for body language and other outward signs that the person was an easy target
Many attackers are predators who seek out “weaker prey.” The goal is to make yourself a difficult target so the attacker will not choose you.

10. Things predators look for in a victim:
Lack of eye contact
Poor posture
Walking slowly and without purpose
Head down
Not paying attention to surroundings
Showing signs of submissive behavior

11. How to prevent an attack
Create a safety plan
Know your environment
Maintain focus on what you are doing
Be observant

12. How to prevent an attack, cont.
Walk with authority
Maintain eye contact
Be ready to act
Listen to and act on your intuition

13. Helpful hints to prevent attacks
Park in well-lit areas
Walk with a partner or friend
Utilize security or escort personnel
Carry house or car keys in your hand
Keep one arm free at all times
Know where you parked
Don’t wander around looking for your vehicle
Check around and inside your vehicle prior to getting in
Lock your doors after getting into the vehicle
Stay Alert, Stay Alert, Stay Alert!
Most importantly, make good, common sense decisions whenever going out

14. Types of attackers
The Con
The Blitz
The Surprise

15. The con: Stranger asking for assistance/directions
Stranger offering assistance
Initially friendly and/or helpful
Attack after victim’s defenses are down

16. The Blitz Direct and Immediate Assault
Allows no opportunity for victim to resist either physically or verbally
May involve gag, blindfold, or other restraints

17. The surprise Waits in concealment Behind obstacles Backseat of car
In structure until victim is complacent
Use of threat or weapon to subdue victim
Victim may have been specifically targeted

18. Confronting an attacker
You are walking in a dark alley when you find yourself in a bad situation. Standing in front of you is a dark figure. Without warning, they move quickly towards you. What do you do?

19. Confronting an attacker
Should people who are attacked fight or submit to their attackers?
Some believe the attacker might hurt you more or even kill you if you fight back
So what should YOU do?

20. Confronting an attacker
Recent studies show people who fight back are less likely to be killed or seriously hurt
A majority of attackers are seeking an easy target. The harder you make it for them, the better chance you have to survive.

21. Fighting back
“It’s not what you can do that’s important, but what you are willing to do.”
Blake Johnson, Navy S.E.A.L., 2000.
If you decide to fight back, what is the best technique for you?

22. Selecting a self defense strategy
What is my goal?
Can I handle a hands-on practice class, or is a lecture better for my needs?
Am I willing to get physical?
Can I bring myself to strike someone?
How much time do I want to dedicate to these techniques?

23. Selecting a self-defense strategy
Martial Arts and Self Defense are not synonymous
Traditional martial arts have skills that are not designed, nor are they realistic for a self-defense situation without extensive practice
The idea that someone can do a high kick to a person’s face on an icy street is not realistic. Select a program that teaches simple, direct, and gross motor skill moves

24. Key points to fighting back
Don’t panic!
Don’t freeze-up, react quickly!
Start yelling, make lots of noise!
Strike first and strike hard!
Recognize and utilize escape opportunities!
Never give up!
Do whatever it takes!

25. techniques Strikes: Heel of your hand or elbow Target Areas:
Nose, eyes, and throat
Follow-through
Re-strike or flee
Scream loud!!!!
Strikes:
Knee Strike
Target Areas:
Groin or Stomach
Follow-through
Re-strike or flee
Scream loud!!!!

26. Rear choke attacks Don’t Panic! Protect the airway
Distraction Techniques
Escape Techniques
Scream Loud!!!!

27. Personal protection Pepper Spray Practice makes perfect
Carrying options
Limitations
10 seconds to take effect
Environmental conditions
Could be used against you
Location of attacker
Limitations on places it can be carried

28. Personal protection Stun Guns/Tasers Practice makes perfect
Carrying options
Limitations:
Environmental conditions
Could be used against you
Location of attacker
Limitations on places it can be carried
Cost

29. Personal protection Weapons of Convenience
Common items that can be used as weapons
How would you do this?
Where to strike?
Personal Alarms and Whistles

30. Limits on the use of force - Excessive force - Deadly force An individual is not justified in using more force than is necessary and appropriate under the circumstances Deadly force is justified in the following instances: a. When it is expressly authorized by law or occurs in the lawful conduct of war. b. When used in lawful self-defense, or in lawful defense of others, if such force is necessary to protect the actor or anyone else against death, serious bodily injury, or the commission of a felony involving violence. The use of deadly force is not justified if it can be avoided, with safety to the actor and others, by retreat or other conduct involving minimal interference with the freedom of the individual menaced.