Your people face challenging situations every day.
They might be angry or agitated individuals, emotionally charged encounters full of confusion, fear, hostility, or resistance, and situations that can escalate into injuries, complaints, or liability.
Most incidents don’t spiral because of bad intentions. They escalate because communication breaks down under stress.
You don’t need theory.
You need training grounded in real-world decision-making.
At 886 Consulting, we believe that every professional deserves the skills to handle these encounters with confidence, empathy, and competency. Our mission is to equip organizations with practical tools that prevent escalation, build trust, and create safer outcomes for both employees and the people they serve.
Jeffrey G. Scholz
Owner/Sole Member/Lead Instructor
Jeffrey G. Scholz helps organizations navigate high-risk human interactions with greater clarity, confidence, and control. Across sectors, leaders and frontline professionals face emotionally charged encounters that can escalate quickly, increasing the risk of injury, liability, burnout, and loss of trust. Jeff’s work is focused on helping those organizations reduce that risk through clear communication, sound decision-making, and behavioral awareness under stress.
Jeff brings nearly three decades in law enforcement and nearly 25 years with the New York State Police, where he served in patrol, narcotics, computer crimes, and major crimes investigations, including homicides and missing-persons cases.
He is an IADLEST National Certified Instructor and a New York State DCJS Master Instructor. Before retiring in May 2022, Jeff served as Senior Investigator for BCI Training at the New York State Police Academy in Albany, overseeing training for more than 1,100 investigators, 3,000 troopers, recruits, civilian personnel, and partner agencies statewide.
In addition to his academy leadership role, Jeff served as the Division Coordinator for the New York State Police Crisis Negotiation Program, building on his 2006 certification as a Hostage Negotiator. His work in this area emphasized communication, emotional regulation, and behavioral influence during high-stakes encounters. In recognition of his contributions to police training, Jeff received the 2019 New York State Police George M. Searle Award for Excellence in Training.
Throughout his career, Jeff developed and delivered training on crisis negotiation, de-escalation, situational awareness, investigative interviewing, bias awareness, and procedural justice. He was also a responder to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City,
Since founding 886 Consulting, LLC, Jeff has trained thousands of professionals in 17 states nationwide through the From Crisis to Calm program, which frames de-escalation as a practical risk-reduction discipline rather than a scripted technique. His clients span law enforcement, healthcare, social services, security, education, and other public-facing environments where communication failures often precede injuries, claims, or organizational harm.
Jeff also serves as a training consultant with the New York State Office of Mental Health, is an instructor for the New York State Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program, and assists with cold case investigations for the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services.
Why "886"?
The name 886 Consulting pays tribute to Jeff’s shield (badge) number — a reminder that professionalism, empathy, and safety are more than theories: they are lived values forged through decades of real-world experience.
Trusted Experience
Jeff’s work has been published in professional journals and presented to thousands of participants nationwide. He is an IADLEST National Certified Instructor, a recognition reserved for trainers who meet the highest national standards.
Commitment
Every class, workshop, and keynote delivered by 886 Consulting reflects a commitment to:
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Real-World Application: Strategies that work in the field, not just the classroom.
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Influence over Control: Teaching participants how to guide behavior and outcomes, not force them.
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Safer Encounters, Better Outcomes: Helping organizations reduce risk while improving trust and professionalism.