The Conflict Resolution Model

A modelwidely usedto determine the lawful response to aggression and violence is the Police Conflict Resolution Model. This model requires us to assess the subject’s behaviour and also to consider the impact when deciding upon our response.

The following animation reinforces the importance and relevance of the Police Conflict Resolution Model.

In 1996, the New York State Office of Mental Health issued a policy requiring all State-operated psychiatric facilities to develop and implement a proactive violence-prevention program based up on guidelines issued by the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration. This Psychiatric Management of Crisis Situations (PMCS) is provided to train staff on how to de-escalate potential crisis situations. It includes guidance on the use of to language, body posture and a discussion of potential warning signs All these can help alert the staff to potential dangers.

In the United Kingdom, the National Institute Health and Care Excellence (NICE) presents guidelines for the short-term management of the disturbed patient. These clinical guidelines were updated in 2015 to NICE guideline 10 [4] to incorporate pediatric patients and patients outside of acute-care settings. This document provides resources that can be used in a variety of clinical settings to create a safer environment for patient care in the event of possible aggression or violence.