The NYPD is implementing a training program that offers a new approach on how officers handle unpredictable situations. 

The NYPD has been criticized for years in some of its use-of-force situations that ended in death. The Integrating Communications Assessment and Tactics (ICAT) program is set to bring change to the department. 

De-escalation training has been offered to the department for years, but now this program will show how to apply it. 

"Trying to engage the suspect in conversation. using names, slowing down the response which then hopefully lowers the temperature and leads to a successful outcome,” said NYPD Chief of Training Chief Kenneth Corey. 

Chuck Wexler, from the Police Executive Research Forum, says the issue has plagued departments nationally. 

“Whether it's a gun with no bullets, it's a toy gun, we thought he had a gun, all of those situations. but that suicide by cop has been the accepted practice in American policing yet there's no protocol,” said Wexler. 

Wexler says the program was used in Louisville, Kentucky and that positive results were reported. 

"People said when we came up with this training, you're going to get cops killed, 36% reduction in officer injuries. So cops would actually be safer by using time and distance and standing back and slowing things down,” said Wexler. 

The academy class that's scheduled to graduate in August will have it fully weaved into its curriculum. The department hopes to have the entire department trained within two years.