Four key elements provide the foundation for all interpersonal skills: positioning, posture, observing, and listening. Positioning refers to the spatial relationship between the probation officer and the client; a potentially dangerous situation requires a separation distance of at least 6 feet. Posture refers to the way an officer is presented physically to the client. Whether sitting or standing, posture should be erect. Observing involves the ability to see and process the visual cues that come from the client; and listening skills involve attention to auditory stimuli, the suspension of judgment, and picking out key words. Nonverbal skills involve "body language," facial expressions, spatial distance, physical touching, voice characteristics, appearance, and timing. Some safety principles for juvenile probation officers are to know clients well, to assess the implications of the use of force, to be prepared for possible physical threats, to be flexible in interaction with clients, to engage in repetitive training designed to avert crises, and to know personal limitations. This paper also discusses the dynamics of the stages of progression into crisis, planning to prevent a physical confrontation, management and control of an interaction, the use of verbal techniques to regain control, and planning an escape route. 1 reference