TRAINING OPTIONS

Essentials Training (1 Day Program)

Entry-level program with foundational content to introduce the officer to the basic skills of the S.T.A.R.S. MATRIX framework and applications

• Introduction to crisis de-escalation principles
• Basic S.T.A.R.S. methodology overview
• Core de-escalation tactics and techniques
• Recognition of crisis indicators
• Case studies demonstrating effectiveness

Core Certification (2-day program)

Our foundational 16-hour program equips officers with the complete S.T.A.R.S. framework and essential crisis communication skills. Participants will master:

• The five-component S.T.A.R.S. approach for strategic verbal intervention
• Rapid behavior level assessment techniques for accurate response matching
• Evidence-based verbal de-escalation strategies grounded in Relational Frame Theory
• Practical application across common crisis scenarios
• Essential documentation and implementation protocols

Participants receive comprehensive field materials including quick-reference guides, and assessment tools. Certification requires successful completion of both knowledge assessment and scenario-based skill demonstrations.

Advanced Application Certification (3-day program)

Building on the Core Certification, this intensive 24-hour program develops mastery in complex crisis scenarios. Focus areas include:

• Multi-person crisis dynamics and relational network management
• Advanced perspective-taking techniques for resistance reduction
• Specialized applications for suicidal subjects, mental health crises, and hostage situations
• Real-time transformation of problematic relational frames
• Team-based coordination for high-risk interventions

The Advanced program incorporates extended role-play scenarios with professional actors, video analysis of field applications, and personalized coaching. Graduates receive Advanced Certification with specialized endorsements based on demonstrated competencies.

Department Instructor Certification

Designed for departmental trainers, this comprehensive program creates internal capacity for sustainable implementation. The certification includes:

• Complete mastery of all S.T.A.R.S. components and applications
• Advanced instructional techniques for adult learning environments
• Program customization tools for agency-specific protocols
• Assessment and evaluation methodologies
• Ongoing instructor support and updates

Instructor candidates undergo rigorous evaluation through teaching demonstrations, content mastery assessment, and scenario facilitation. Certified S.T.A.R.S. Instructors receive complete training materials, presentation resources, and continuous professional development.

Custom Department Integration

Our integration specialists work directly with your agency to create a tailored implementation that complements existing protocols. This service includes:

• Comprehensive needs assessment and gap analysis
• Policy integration recommendations and documentation
• Customized training scenarios reflecting your jurisdiction’s unique challenges
• Implementation timeline development and milestone planning
• Performance metrics establishment and tracking systems

Each integration project begins with leadership consultation and concludes with a complete implementation roadmap including train-the-trainer components where appropriate.

Yearly Re-Certification Refresher Workshops

Maintain certification currency and skill proficiency through structured reinforcement. These concise, high-impact sessions provide:

• Updates on evolving best practices and latest research
• Focused skill reinforcement in identified challenge areas
• New scenario applications and case study analysis
• Peer learning and experience exchange
• Performance enhancement planning

Required Refresher workshops to maintain certification are available in 4-8 hour formats and can be delivered on-site or through virtual platforms. Recommended annually for all certified personnel.