The Nassau County Police Department is changing its use-of-force policy.

Defense attorney Glenn Hardy is applauding the recent de-escalation methods implemented by the department to lessen the use of physical force in the field.

Fifteen policy changes will take effect starting July 8, ranging from more rigorous reviews of cases involving force to encouraging officers to rely on "intermediate weapons" such as a Taser or Mace.

Hardy says he believes that reducing the use of deadly force and increasing the space between officers and suspects will decrease the number of injuries and deaths.

Nassau Police Benevolent Association President James Carver disagrees with the changes, however.

"Our job as police officers is not to retreat, because that could put others' lives at risk," Carver tells News 12. "To take a step back and breathe could cost an officer their lives."

Hardy also believes that Nassau police could learn much from their European counterparts. He says police departments in places like Scotland use crisis intervention teams to bring a peaceful end to tense situations.