How can an officer build rapport with a resisting subject?

Building rapport with a resisting subject is essential for de-escalating a situation and ensuring safety for both the officer and the individual. Active listening and showing empathy create a connection that can help to calm a resisting subject and make them feel understood and respected. This approach fosters open communication, which can lead to cooperation and a more peaceful resolution.

Active listening involves paying attention to what the subject is saying, acknowledging their feelings, and responding in a supportive manner. When a person feels heard and validated, they are more likely to relax and be cooperative, facilitating a more effective and humane interaction. Showing empathy helps to break down barriers of resistance and can significantly diffuse tension during confrontational encounters.

In contrast, employing physical force can escalate the situation and might lead to increased resistance or aggression from the subject. Speaking in legal jargon could alienate the subject and create confusion or distrust. Ignoring the emotional state of the individual can also exacerbate the situation, as it fails to acknowledge their concerns and may lead to further resistance. Therefore, actively engaging with empathy is the most effective strategy for building rapport in such scenarios.