Evaluation of Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics (ICAT) Training with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police

This study evaluates the impact of Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics (ICAT) de-escalation training within the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), replicating a prior randomized controlled trial conducted with the Louisville Metro Police Department. Using a stepped-wedge RCT and mixed-methods design, the research assesses both attitudinal and behavioral outcomes of a condensed 8-hour ICAT training delivered to 1,563 officers across six patrol districts. Survey findings reveal that ICAT training led to immediate improvements in officer attitudes, though many gains diminished over time. Officers reported frequent use of de-escalation skills during recent encounters with persons in crisis, with high perceived effectiveness. Supervisory and peer support emerged as key predictors of sustained skill use, yet reinforcement practices were limited.

Behavioral analyses show the randomly assigned timing of the ICAT training is associated with statistically significant reductions in the number of subjects who had force used against them (19.6%) and the number of subjects injured during force encounters (25.2%), effects that persisted beyond reductions in arrests. No significant increases were observed in officers injured during force encounters. The study underscores the importance of organizational culture, leadership, first-line supervision, and policy alignment in sustaining training effects. It also highlights the value of mixed-methods evaluations in understanding how, when, and under what conditions training leads to meaningful change. IMPD’s integration of de-escalation principles across training, policy, and practice offers a replicable model for other agencies seeking to enhance public safety through evidence-based innovation.