Lieutenant Michael Delaney brings over 30 years of distinguished law enforcement experience to the Insight Policing team. As an Investigative Commander with more than two decades dedicated to solving high-profile and complex crimes in Maryland and surrounding areas, he has developed deep expertise in homicide investigations, officer-involved shootings, sexual assaults, and other major cases. Beyond his investigative work, Lieutenant Delaney is passionate about giving back, volunteering his time to support incarcerated and disadvantaged youth.
Since 2020, Lieutenant Delaney has been a committed Insight Policing: Conflict Resolution for Law Enforcement trainer, leveraging his extensive experience to connect with students in meaningful ways. His diverse background as a law enforcement officer, homicide investigator, and youth mentor provides him with unique perspectives that enrich his teaching. He draws on real-world expertise from high-stakes cases and his work with vulnerable communities to help officers approach their roles with greater empathy and skill.
Lieutenant Delaney finds great fulfillment in his role as a trainer, viewing it as an opportunity to give back to the community while equipping today’s officers with the tools they need to navigate conflict and serve effectively.
Learn more about Lt. Delaney in the full Q&A below.
How did you hear about and get started with CAICR and Insight Policing?
I’m a trainer with the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission, the certifying body for all sworn police officers in Maryland. When the state required all officers to complete de-escalation training, I set out to explore different programs. That’s when I came across Insight Policing and took their two-day course. It was by far the best de-escalation training I’ve ever taken in my 33 years in law enforcement. No other training has been as in-depth or explained the theory of how our minds work under stress as thoroughly as this one. The role-playing exercises were incredibly valuable, and the core principles were practical and applicable. As a homicide investigator, strong communication skills are crucial, and this course not only clarified what I was already doing but also helped me further develop the skills I need in high-stakes situations.
What interested you about this work?
I want to give back, not only to the community but also to law enforcement in 2024. When I started in policing, it was a very different world. There was little emphasis on communication, and training focused mostly on physical tactics. Over time, it became clear that we needed to adapt. I believe Insight Policing helps us make that transition in a tactical and effective way. It shows that you don’t need to rely on physical force to gain compliance. Instead, the focus is on communication and fostering curiosity. As someone who loves to talk, I appreciate how Insight Policing emphasizes the power of conversation.
What is your favorite part of your role here?
Interacting with young people is incredibly important, especially because communication styles are evolving. I think it's crucial to engage with the younger generation, as they communicate differently than we did. I enjoy connecting with young people because they represent the future, and I also appreciate the chance to engage with a diverse group of students. We don’t just teach de-escalation skills to sworn personnel; we also work with professionals from all sectors. It’s valuable to hear perspectives from non-police personnel. Early on, we mixed classes of law enforcement and non-sworn professionals. In one class, a group of young men initially expressed mistrust and reluctance to communicate with officers. But by day two, there was a noticeable shift—open, respectful communication had been established. It was incredible to see how transparency and communication could change the dynamic so quickly. This is exactly the outcome we aim for in the class.
What experience prepared you for this role?
In life, I approach every situation with the mindset that I’m never bigger than the circumstances I’m facing. I carried this mindset with me as a detective, especially when communicating with next of kin. Delivering news to families who have just lost a loved one requires a delicate balance of listening, offering support, and maintaining the confidence necessary for them to trust you in the investigation. It’s about entering with respect and assurance. Later in my career, I trained homicide investigators, and I saw that one of the biggest challenges for new detectives was building this confidence in communication. You should be able to talk to anyone, feel at ease, and make them feel comfortable with you. It’s important to remember that you are part of the community you serve, and you have to meet people where they are—bringing yourself to their level to connect.
What do you think is the most effective part of what you do?
I try to connect my experiences in homicide investigations and police training to real-life situations. By sharing what worked—and what didn’t—I aim to help others understand how Insight Policing skills apply in the field. When it comes to the skill sequence, the most valuable step for me has been active listening and showing the person that you’re truly engaged. When someone feels heard and trusts you, it’s easier to build rapport. Paraphrasing and demonstrating that you’re listening are key tools in establishing respect. Even if people don’t want to talk at first, these techniques can help them open up over time.
What impact are you hoping to have being part of Insight Policing?
My main goal is to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the community as we continue our work. You can do a hundred positive things—helping people, solving cases—but one negative incident, no matter where it happens, can undo all the progress you’ve made. Not everyone is inclined to help, and I understand that. However, by equipping more officers with the right skills, we can reduce the number of negative incidents. While not every situation will end perfectly, it’s much easier to accept if trust and respect have already been established.
What is a common theme you notice when teaching classes?
In teaching Insight Conflict Resolution to professionals, whether it’s a one-day, eight-hour course or a two-day law enforcement class, I’ve found that people are often apprehensive about role-playing. It’s not something that comes naturally, and many tend to shy away from it. To create a comfortable environment, I always try to approach the class with a lighthearted and approachable attitude. Setting the right tone helps participants feel at ease, making the training more effective. For officers, understanding how the mind works under stress is crucial for connecting the training to real-life situations and their daily work. I draw on examples from my own experience, but I also encourage participants to share theirs so they can relate to real-life scenarios. This makes the concepts easier to grasp. By the end of the class, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive—participants understand the material, engage fully, and express that they enjoyed the experience.
Do you have any interactions or outcomes that stand out to you from training?
What stands out most to me is the group of young men who initially had negative views of or discomfort with police officers. The class included both older officers and younger men, and I anticipated it would be a challenging dynamic. By day two, however, it was incredible to see the transformation. The young men were actively engaging in role-playing scenarios, lowering their barriers, and communicating openly. Watching them become more comfortable and open was truly rewarding. It was a clear demonstration of how these skills work in practice and the real impact they can have.
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