| The objective of this research is to explore feasible alternatives to police intervention and conflict resolution. Although there is currently instruction offered to police on conflict resolution and de-escalation, it does not adequately desribe the various underlying mechanisms at play during a conflict. The intended results of my research is to provide positive proactive measures that police officers can apply to various conflict situations that they encounter. Concurrently, my research will provide a description of the "pocket of compromise," the so-called "third way" described in catastrophe theory. It will also provide an integration and application of dialogical pedagogy. The pocket of compromise, according to catastrophe theorists, is the surfacing of a brief moment, a space, during a conflict that can serve as a dynamic (far-from-equilibrium) space within which to diffuse the situation and end the confrontation in that very instant. It can also be a moment to help create a positive bond between the two disputants that would prevent future conflicts. |
Updated 05/20/2006