Personal Promise
Building accountability and trust through direct personal commitments that create genuine rapport and reduce subject fear.
NYPD Patrol Guide Reference
De-escalation & Rapport Building (PG 221-01)
"Members of the service should attempt to build rapport with subjects when circumstances permit. Personal assurances and commitments can help reduce fear and anxiety, leading to safer outcomes for both officers and subjects."
Source: NYPD Patrol Guide, Force Guidelines
Best Practice Examples
Direct Personal Commitment
Officer makes explicit personal promise to subject, creating accountability and demonstrating genuine concern for their well-being.
Promise with Context
Officer uses personal promise alongside explanation, helping subject understand both the commitment and the reasoning behind it.
Building on Previous Rapport
Officer references earlier interaction to reinforce promise, demonstrating consistency and building cumulative trust.
Needs Improvement
Commands Without Personal Connection
Officer issues directives without personal assurance, missing opportunity to build rapport and reduce subject's fear.
High Intensity Without Reassurance
Officers maintain high command intensity without personal promises, potentially escalating subject's anxiety.
Discussion Questions
- What promises can officers realistically make and keep during an encounter?
- How do you maintain credibility if circumstances change after making a personal promise?
- When is it appropriate to use personal promises versus formal procedural language?
- How does the use of the subject's name affect the impact of a personal promise?
- What are the risks of making promises that other officers or the system may not honor?