About S.T.A.R.S. Matrix

Framework Overview

The S.T.A.R.S. Matrix is a comprehensive communication approach designed specifically for high-stress law enforcement encounters. It provides officers with practical techniques to effectively communicate during critical incidents.

STARS stands for the following:

Scientific Foundation

The S.T.A.R.S. Matrix is grounded in both Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Relational Frame Theory (RFT), creating a comprehensive behavioral science framework that explains how humans process language and respond to verbal behavior, particularly under stress. This evidence-based approach illuminates why traditional command-based communication often fails during crisis situations and provides alternatives that work with—rather than against—psychological responses to stress and threat.

Our approach utilizes the empirical rigor of Applied Behavior Analysis, which focuses on observable behavior and environmental contingencies while incorporating the linguistic and cognitive insights of Relational Frame Theory. This integration allows for a more nuanced understanding of verbal behavior in crisis situations, acknowledging both the direct behavioral contingencies and the complex verbal networks that influence human responding.

The S.T.A.R.S. Matrix bridges these disciplines by applying ABA’s precise measurement and intervention strategies with RFT’s sophisticated understanding of language and cognition. For example, the framework uses functional behavior assessment techniques from ABA to identify the maintaining functions of aggressive or non-compliant behavior, while simultaneously employing RFT concepts to understand how verbal stimuli acquire their psychological impact through derived relational responding.

Our approach integrates principles from cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral analysis to address the complex dynamics of crisis communication. Research has consistently demonstrated that during high-stress encounters, an individual’s cognitive processing capacity becomes significantly limited, making compliance with complex commands difficult or impossible. The S.T.A.R.S. Matrix accounts for these neurobiological responses and provides communication techniques specifically designed to engage with individuals in various states of cognitive functioning.

The framework's scientific foundation includes

Functional Behavior Assessment: Applying ABA methodology to identify the function of problematic behavior and develop function-based interventions
Functional Contextual Analysis: Understanding how language functions differently in various contexts and psychological states
Stimulus Equivalence and Derived Relational Responding: Leveraging learned and derived associations to facilitate communication even when rational processing is impaired
Verbal Behavior Analysis: Identifying patterns in subject communication that indicate escalation or de-escalation based on Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior
Psychological Flexibility: Developing the ability to adapt communication approaches in real-time based on behavioral cues
Trauma-Informed Communication: Recognizing and accounting for how past trauma affects current behavior and interactions
Rule-Governed Behavior: Understanding how verbal rules affect compliance and resistance in high-stress situations
Establishing Operations and Motivating Operations: Identifying and manipulating variables that temporarily alter the effectiveness of reinforcers and punishers during crisis interactions

Unlike theoretical approaches that fail to translate to real-world application, S.T.A.R.S. operationalizes these complex behavioral science principles into practical field techniques that officers can immediately apply in high-stress situations. Each component of the matrix is mapped to specific behavioral indicators, allowing officers to quickly identify appropriate communication strategies based on observable subject behavior.

Differentiation

The S.T.A.R.S. Matrix stands apart from traditional law enforcement communication training in several crucial ways:

Beyond Basic De-escalation

While many training programs offer generic de-escalation advice, the S.T.A.R.S. Matrix provides a comprehensive framework with specific, actionable techniques that correspond to observable behavioral indicators. Officers learn not just to “calm the situation” but exactly how to communicate with individuals at five distinct levels of aggression and cognitive functioning.

Integration of the 5-Step Aggression System

The matrix incorporates a sophisticated understanding of aggression progression, pairing precise communication techniques with each stage of escalation. This systematic approach allows officers to identify exactly where a subject is on the aggression continuum and deploy the most effective communication strategy for that specific state.

Bidirectional Flexibility

Unlike linear models that assume crisis interactions follow a predictable path, the S.T.A.R.S. Matrix acknowledges the fluid, dynamic nature of high-stress encounters. Officers learn to move fluidly between techniques as subject behavior shifts, adapting in real-time to changes in behavioral presentation and emotional state.

Complementary Rather Than Replacement

The S.T.A.R.S. Matrix doesn’t replace existing protocols—it enhances them. While traditional training often focuses primarily on physical tactics and command presence, S.T.A.R.S. addresses the critical communication gap that occurs in the moments before use of force becomes necessary. Our approach provides officers with additional tools that complement existing procedures, creating more options for successful resolution in volatile situations.

Mental Health Integration

The framework specifically addresses the challenges of communicating with individuals experiencing mental health crises, incorporating techniques that are effective even when subjects have impaired reality testing or altered cognitive functioning. This makes the S.T.A.R.S. Matrix particularly valuable for Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) and officers working with mental health co-responder models.

Applied Behavior Analysis and RFT Integration

Rather than relying on anecdotal experience or tradition, every aspect of the S.T.A.R.S. Matrix is grounded in established behavioral science, specifically the integration of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Relational Frame Theory (RFT). This unique combination allows the framework to address both the observable behavioral components of aggression (through ABA principles) and the complex verbal and cognitive factors (through RFT concepts) that influence subject responding. The framework pairs specific types of aggression and resistance with communication strategies that address the underlying behavioral functions and psychological processes at work in each state.

Crisis Communication Challenges

Why Traditional Approaches Often Fall Short

Commands increase resistance in emotionally disturbed individuals
Stress impairs cognitive function in both officers and subjects
Standard protocols may escalate rather than de-escalate certain situations
One-size-fits-all approaches fail to address unique situational factors

How S.T.A.R.S. Addresses These Challenges

The S.T.A.R.S. Matrix addresses these challenges with adaptive techniques that respond to the psychological realities of crisis encounters. Our framework provides officers with multiple communication pathways based on behavioral cues, environmental factors, and subject presentation.

By understanding how language functions during crisis, officers can select communication strategies that achieve compliance without unnecessary escalation.

Integration with Existing Protocols

S.T.A.R.S. is designed to work seamlessly with your department’s current training and protocols:

Use-of-Force Continuums: Enhances existing use-of-force decision-making models with additional communication options
Constitutional Policing: Aligns with constitutional policing standards and supports procedural justice
Documentation Practices: Supports defensible documentation practices with clear decision points
Department Values: Reinforces department values and mission by prioritizing safe resolutions