Good News York | EP. 175 feat. DECS (De-Escalation and Control Solutions)
What if the training that law enforcement and military professionals use to handle the most dangerous, high-pressure situations on the planet was available to everyday civilians? That’s exactly what Joe Commisso and Joe Senf — both active officers with the Syracuse Police Department — are making a reality through their company, De-Escalation and Control Solutions (DECS).
In this episode of Good News York, Matt Masur sits down with the two Joes to explore how DECS is bridging the gap between elite law enforcement training and the civilian world. From school administrators breaking up fights, to security guards protecting their establishments, to the average person just trying to feel safer in their day-to-day life — DECS is on a mission to stack the odds in your favor.
Joe Commisso brings years of SWAT experience, black belt-level jujitsu, and a deep passion for human performance to the table. Joe Senf, a lead in-service instructor and academy staff member at the Syracuse Regional Police Academy, adds his expertise in coaching, reality-based training, and the psychology of high-stakes decision-making. Together, they’ve built a training organization that doesn’t just teach techniques — it teaches awareness, intuition, and the confidence to act when it matters most.
We dive into the concept of "stacking your advantages," the importance of picking up on cues before a situation escalates, and why the most dangerous moment isn’t always what Hollywood makes it look like. The guys also bust some myths about violent encounters, explain why physical de-escalation is often misunderstood, and share why word-of-mouth — not sales pitches — has been the engine behind DECS’s growth.
Whether you’re a school administrator, a business owner, a parent, or simply someone who wants to feel more prepared walking through life, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and practical wisdom. As Joe Senf puts it: "It’s not just about violent encounters — there’s so much carryover in what we do."
Plus, stick around to hear about their upcoming Women’s Self-Defense Seminar — an accessible, data-driven introduction to self-defense held at a local vineyard with a complimentary glass of wine. Yes, really.
Chapters:
0:00 – Cold Open: The Police Academy Analogy
0:37 – Introductions & What is DECS?
1:14 – Meet Joe Commisso & Joe Senf
2:18 – Where Did the Need Come From?
3:20 – Civilian Response to Active Killing Situations
5:40 – Physical De-Escalation in Schools
6:04 – Training for Everyone, Not Just Protectors
6:48 – Stacking Your Advantages
7:27 – The Police Academy Explained
9:20 – How Does the Training Work? Come to You vs. Facility
10:29 – Reality-Based Training Philosophy
11:08 – What’s the Most Common Threat in Syracuse?
12:45 – The Bomb Fuse Analogy
13:37 – How Long Has DECS Been Around?
13:50 – What Drove You to Start This Business?
15:34 – Success Stories That Keep Them Going
16:23 – These Skills Go Beyond Emergencies
18:23 – Finding DECS: Social Media & Website
19:08 – What to Expect When You Reach Out
20:24 – A Word on Word-of-Mouth Growth
21:36 – Start by Being More Aware
21:56 – Trust Your Gut
22:37 – The Women’s Self-Defense Seminar
25:50 – Closing Thoughts & Thank You
🌐 LINKS & RESOURCES
Visit the DECS website! – www.decsny.com
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