Police relations in the United States have been under increased media scrutiny as a result of a number of controversial cases where excessive use of force has been questioned among citizens around the nation. Attention to violence by law enforcement officials in the United States has also been driven by government agendas both for and against illegal immigration, where military and civilian police working together have become much more visible throughout America. Further, the means by which police officers, individually and collectively, determine whether there is a need to use force is examined along with multiple corollary factors that influence their decisions. The confluence of selective attention to racial minorities is also considered as part of the issues in resolving these issues. Practical methods are considered to reduce the escalation of these incidents with one program, in particular, being showcased for its practicality and apparent effectiveness. Details related to both the development and implementation of the Active Bystander for Law Enforcement (ABLE) are presented as an effective means of reducing violent encounters between police and members of the public. .