What is a primary goal of active listening in confrontations?

Building rapport with the subject is a primary goal of active listening in confrontations. Active listening involves fully engaging with the speaker, demonstrating understanding, and responding appropriately to their concerns. By genuinely listening and acknowledging what the subject is saying, an officer can foster a sense of trust and connection. This rapport can help de-escalate tensions, making it easier to manage the situation and motivate the subject to cooperate or communicate more openly.

The approach encourages empathy, allowing officers to frame their responses based on the subject's emotional state and concerns, ultimately leading to better dialogue and conflict resolution. It emphasizes that the confrontational situation can be navigated more effectively when there is mutual understanding and respect established through active listening techniques.