Wellness-Centered De-Escalation Skills for Professionals March 27

March 24, 2025

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MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University will host WIU Forensic Psychology Professor Kim McClure for a presentation titled "Wellness-Centered De-Escalation Skills for Professionals: A Cultural Context Approach" from 12:30-2 p.m. Thursday, March 27 in Stipes Hall 121. This event, sponsored by the Anti-Racism Task Force (ARTF), is free and open to all students, faculty and staff.

McClure specializes in Psychology & Law, Eyewitness Memory and Police Operations. Her research focuses on perception and memory in both bystander and operational witnesses, and she actively collaborates with regional police organizations to enhance de-escalation training. As an expert witness and consultant on eyewitness science, she works to translate scientific findings into practical policy and training strategies for law enforcement.

"Incorporating a wellness-centered and culturally informed approach to de-escalation is essential for professionals working in high-pressure environments," McClure said. "This session will provide evidence-based strategies to help individuals navigate complex interpersonal situations with empathy, awareness and effectiveness."

McClure's work is supported by the U.S. Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Executive Institute (ILETSBE) and the Missouri Safety Center. She also co-directs WIU's Laboratory for the Investigation of Psychology and Law and the Professional Research Pool for Criminal Justice Science.

This event will offer valuable insights for students, faculty and professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of de-escalation techniques through a culturally responsive framework.

For more information, contact McClure at KA-McClure@wiu.edu or Carl Ervin at CW-Ervin@wiu.edu.

Posted By: Kaitlyn Crisantos (KN-Crisantos@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing