Conflict de-escalation is a skill that benefits everyone, whether you’re a law enforcement officer, a concealed carrier, or just an everyday person navigating the world. Understanding how to diffuse tense situations, communicate effectively, and manage fear responses can mean the difference between a peaceful resolution and an outcome that spirals out of control.

Who is Stan Campell, and What is His Conflict Resolution Experience?

Few people understand conflict resolution better than Stan Campbell. He is a retired law enforcement officer, co-founder of CCW Safe, and founder of IDD Safe. With over two decades in law enforcement, Campbell has dedicated himself to teaching conflict de-escalation techniques that help both police and civilians navigate high-stress encounters.

But de-escalation isn’t just about keeping tempers in check. It’s about learning to manage your own reactions while influencing the behavior of others. Through his experiences, Campbell sheds light on how anyone can apply these techniques in daily life.

Campbell’s path into law enforcement was deeply personal. Like many officers, he felt called to be a protector. He quickly realized, however, that the job required more than just physical readiness. Effective policing—and self-defense—demanded emotional intelligence, patience, and the ability to communicate under pressure.

His career began in 1990, just after the Rodney King incident. It was a time of strained relationships between police and the communities they served. As a young officer, Campbell often encountered hostile situations where the wrong move could escalate tensions further. He quickly adopted de-escalation techniques to defuse confrontations before they turned violent.

But the moment that truly reshaped his perspective came on April 19, 1995—the Oklahoma City bombing. Campbell was in the Federal Courthouse across the street when the explosion occurred.

As one of the first responders, he witnessed an entire city come together in the wake of tragedy. For the first time, he saw citizens and law enforcement working as one, focused entirely on helping others. That moment solidified his commitment to de-escalation and conflict resolution as an integral part of his approach to policing.

Implementing Smart De-Escalation

Many people think de-escalation is only something police officers need to learn. However, the truth is that these skills are just as valuable in everyday civilian life.

Whether you’re a concealed carrier, a parent managing an argument, or someone who simply wants to stay safe in a potentially volatile situation, the ability to control your own responses and influence others’ behavior is critical.

Campbell emphasizes that de-escalation is a shared responsibility between all parties involved. The common perception is that officers alone must manage conflicts. But the reality is that any encounter—whether with law enforcement or another person—requires both sides to contribute to a peaceful resolution.

To help break it down, Campbell teaches the “Three Cs” of De-Escalation:

1. Calm – Your ability to remain calm is the first step in preventing escalation. If your emotions take over, you lose control of the situation before it even begins.
2. Communicate – Effective, non-threatening communication can help defuse misunderstandings and lower tension.
3. Comply – When dealing with law enforcement, following commands, even if you feel they are unfair, keeps you safe. You can always challenge an injustice after the situation has been resolved.

These principles apply beyond police encounters. If you’re faced with an aggressive stranger, a heated argument, or even a road rage incident, staying calm, communicating effectively, and choosing your battles wisely can keep you from making a life-altering mistake.

High-Stress Situations and Communication

Campbell shares an example from early in his career that illustrates how verbal de-escalation can prevent violence.

In 1992, he and his partner responded to a 911 call from a man who simply said he “felt like kicking someone’s ass.”

Expecting a routine conflict resolution call, they arrived at the scene only to be met by a 6’8” man with a history of schizophrenia. His body language suggested agitation, and his imposing size made the situation even more dangerous.

Campbell’s first instinct was to prepare for physical engagement. However, a senior officer on the scene took a different approach. Instead of issuing commands or using a forceful tone, he spoke calmly and asked the man about his medication. This shift in approach changed the entire dynamic of the encounter.

When the man reached toward an officer’s firearm, the situation could have escalated into a deadly force scenario. Instead, the senior officer angled his body away, maintained control of his voice, and continued engaging the man in conversation. Within minutes, they convinced him to voluntarily seek medical attention.

This moment reinforced a valuable lesson: force isn’t always the best tool for resolving conflict. Sometimes, knowing how to communicate and control body language is just as powerful.

De-Escalation Techniques for Me and You

Many people assume that de-escalation means giving in or showing weakness. However, in reality, it’s about taking control of a situation in a way that prevents violence. Here’s how you can apply these principles in daily life:

• Control Your Own Reactions – When confronted with aggression, your first instinct is often to react emotionally. Take a breath, slow down your response, and maintain a neutral tone.
• Create Distance – In a tense encounter, physical space can prevent misunderstandings from turning into physical altercations. If someone is agitated, don’t crowd them—give them room to calm down.
• Use Non-Threatening Language – Avoid aggressive statements like “Calm down!” or “You need to relax.” Instead, try phrases that acknowledge the other person’s emotions:
  • “I hear what you’re saying.”
  • “Let’s figure this out.”
  • “What do you need to feel safe?”
• Recognize When to Walk Away – Not every conflict needs to be “won.” If you sense that a situation is escalating beyond your control, leaving is often the smartest choice.

For those who carry firearms, these skills are especially important. The best self-defense scenario is the one you never have to engage in.

The perception of law enforcement is shaped by high-profile confrontations. However, the reality is that most officers actively work to resolve conflicts without force.

Campbell’s initiatives, including the D.O.P.E. (De-escalating Officer Patrol Encounters) training program, focus on improving police interactions by providing real-world training that emphasizes communication, patience, and conflict resolution.

For communities, the benefits of de-escalation are clear. When police and civilians work together to resolve conflicts peacefully, it reduces unnecessary violence, builds trust, and creates safer environments for everyone.

Shared Responsibility

De-escalation isn’t just a law enforcement strategy—it’s a skill that everyone can use to prevent conflict and protect themselves. Whether you’re a police officer responding to a crisis, a concealed carrier facing a potential threat, or someone dealing with a heated argument, staying calm, communicating effectively, and making smart decisions could be the key to avoiding unnecessary violence.

Campbell’s work with CCW Safe and IDD Safe has demonstrated that education, preparation, and mindset play a crucial role in keeping both law enforcement and civilians safe. His philosophy reminds us that conflict resolution is a partnership. One that requires patience, awareness, and a commitment to seeing the humanity in others. Integrating de-escalation into our daily lives can contribute to a culture of safety, respect, and responsible conflict resolution. This ensures that everyone goes home at the end of the day.