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POLICE RESPONSE TO EDP’S. Brad Natalizio Village of Chester. POLICE RESPONSE TO EDP’S. REALITY FOR VILLAGE OF CHESTER P.D. 15 High Street : House emotionally disturbed persons 69 Brookside Avenue : Life Choices, mental retardation, schizophrenia - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPSBrad Natalizio
Village of Chester
1REALITY FOR VILLAGE OF CHESTER P.D.
15 High Street: House emotionally disturbed persons
69 Brookside Avenue: Life Choices, mental retardation, schizophrenia
3 Maple Avenue: Chester Learning Center. Students must be emotionally disturbed to qualify to get into program. Ranges from ADD, ADHD, Bi-Polar, child-hood schizophrenia
Meadow Avenue: Mental retardation
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPSHistory
Police encounters with mentally ill persons first became a major issue in the late 1960s, when a deinstitutionalization movement began.
This was a long legal battle that was designed to protect people who, were believed to be mentally ill.POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS3History
Prior to the 1960s the mentally ill were virtually warehoused in large state psychiatric hospitals in abject living conditions.
Little emphasis placed on their treatment. POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS4History
Before the movement began, such persons had very few rights, and it was comparatively easy to confine them to harsh mental institutions for long periods.
The movement succeeded, making it more difficult to institutionalize people against their will. POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS5History
As a result of this movement and reduced funding for mental treatment, the number of people confined to mental institutions has declined by at least half a million over the last generation.
As a consequence, police are called to respond to more situations involving mentally ill and EDPs.POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS6History
Most police departments in the early 1980s made attempts to incorporate specialized approaches and specific training in how to deal more effectively with the mentally ill.
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS7WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR POLICE OFFICERS TO KNOW ABOUT EDPS?
Encounters with EDPs are frequent and sensitive police interactions.
Dealing with people who are emotionally disturbed requires a high degree of skill and sensitivity.
In these situations, thoughtless or hasty police actions may quickly make things worse, causing EDPs to act in ways that require officers to use force that might otherwise have been avoided.
POLICE RESPONES TO EDPS8WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR POLICE OFFICERS TO KNOW ABOUT EDPS?
Most EDP calls turn out to involve people who are neither a danger to themselves or others.
Nevertheless, police are called to respond to a large number of cases that are dangerous or that, if improperly handled, could quickly become dangerous.
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS9WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR POLICE OFFICERS TO KNOW ABOUT EDPS?
Police response to EDP situations requires specialized skills and training.
Knowing how to communicate verbally and non-verbally, and knowing how to intervene tactfully and sensitively can dramatically enhance the likelihood that situations involving the EDP will be resolved safely and effectively. POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS10WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR POLICE OFFICERS TO KNOW ABOUT EDPS?
As police, we are responsible for getting such people to mental health professionals, but we also have other responsibilities:
We must protect the lives and safety of EDPSs.Lives and safety of other innocent people.Lives and safety of US. POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS11
Stats
1 in 5 adults suffers from a recognized mental disorder.
About 10% of all adults may have a personality disorder.
The 3 most common disorders in order of incidence are anxiety, substance abuse, and depression
Only 1 out of 5 people with a mental disorder seek professional help.POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS13Stats
Women tend to suffer from phobias and depression, whereas men tend to have problems with alcohol and drugs and antisocial behavior.
The rates of mental problems are higher for those under 45.
College graduates tend to be less prone to mental disorders than those who do not graduate from college. POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS14Stats
Most people diagnosed with mental illness have never been hospitalized and do not need in-patient care.
The main reason for hospital admissions nationwide is an exacerbation of a psychiatric disorder.
At any time, almost 21% of all hospital beds are filled with people with mental illness. POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS15Stats
Mental illness is more common than cancer, diabetes, or heart disease.
Mental illness can range from mild to severe.
Like other members of the community, mentally ill people may be professionals, office workers, laborers, homemakers, children, elderly people, or people who depend on welfare and other social services for survival. POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS16ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
Anxiety DisordersStress DisordersSomatoform and Dissociative DisordersMood DisordersSchizophreniaPersonality DisordersPOLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS17Anxiety Disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Experience excessive anxiety under most circumstances and worry about practically anything.
Many individuals with this disorder experience depression as well.
Women outnumber men 2 to 1
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS
18ANXIETY DISORDERS
Phobias: Are characterized by a persistent, debilitating, and severe fear of specific objects. Person feels helpless in controlling fear.
10 to 11 % of the adults in the U.S. suffer from a phobia.
Twice as common in women as in men.
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS
19Anxiety Disorders
Panic Disorder: Experience repeated episodes of periodic, discrete bouts of panic that occur suddenly, reach a peak within 10 minutes, and gradually pass.
Symptoms of panic: palpitations of the heart, tingling in the hands or feet, shortness of breath, hot and cold flashes, trembling, chest pains, choking sensations, faintness, dizziness, and a felling of unreality. POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS
20Anxiety Disorders
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A person has recurrent and unwanted thoughts, a need to perform repetitive and rigid actions.
Excessive , unreasonable, causes great distress, consumes considerable time, and interferes with daily functions.
Equally common among men and women.
Usually begins in young adulthood.
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS21STRESS DISORDERS
Acute Stress Disorder: An anxiety disorder in which fear and related symptoms are experienced soon after a traumatic event and last less than a month.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): long after the event
Event usually involves actual or threatened serious injury to the person or to a family member or friend.
Ex: combat, rape, earthquake, airplane crash
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS22Stress Disorders
PTSD: People may be battered by recurring memories, dreams, or nightmares connected to the event.
A few relive the event so vividly in their minds (flashbacks) that they think it is actually happening again.
People will usually avoid activities that remind them of the traumatic event and will try to avoid related thoughts, feelings, or conversations. POLICE RESONSE TO EDPS23Anxiety Disorders
PTSD: Reduced responsiveness to events in the external world.
May lose their ability to experience such intimate emotions. May feel dazed, have trouble remembering things, may feel that their body is unreal or foreign to them.
May feel overly alter, easily startled, develop sleep problems, and have trouble concentrating.
Guilt
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS24Somatoform and Dissociative Disorders
Somatoform Disorders: A pattern of physical complaints that is explained largely by psychosocial causes.
They believe their problems are generally medical and a change in physical functioning may occur.
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS25Somatoform and Dissociative Disorders
Dissociative Disorders: Disorders marked by major changes in memory that do not have clear physical causes.
May be the inability to remember important personal events or information.POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS26MOOD DISORDERS
Unipolar Depression
Bipolar DisorderPOLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS27MOOD DISORDERS
Depression: A low, sad state marked by significant levels of sadness, lack of energy, low self worth, guilt, or related symptoms.
Depression may be triggered by stressful events.
Other explanations focus on biological, psychological and sociocultural factors.
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS28Symptoms of Depression:
Feeling of emptinessLose their sense of humorCrying spellsMay have to force themselves to work, talk with friendsLack of drive, initiative, spontaneity May experience anxiety, anger, agitation Loss of desire to pursue their usual activitiesMay speak slowerLess productiveLack of energyNegative views of themselves POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS29MOOD DISORDERS
Mania: A state or episode of euphoria or frenzied activity in which people may have an exaggerated belief that the world is theirs for the taking.
Dramatic inappropriate rises in mood to abnormally high or irritable.
People with mania seem to want constant excitement, involvement and companionship during manic episode. POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS30MOOD DISORDERS
Bipolar Disorder: A disorder marked by altering or intermixed periods of mania and depression.
Emotional rollercoaster which shifts back and forth between moods. POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS31MOOD DISORDERS
Unipolar disorder: Depression without a history of mania.
Normal mood of depression.
Between 5% -10% of adults in the U.S. suffer from severe unipolar depression. Women being twice as likely to suffer. POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS32SUICIDE
A self inflicted death in which the person acts intentionally, directly, and consciously.
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS33WHAT TRIGGERS SUICIDE?
Suicidal acts may be connected to recent events or current conditions in a persons life.
Common triggering factors include stressful events, mood and thought changes, alcohol and other drug use, and mental disorders.
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS34Approaching Suicidal People
Most are not acutely psychotic at the time of the attempt.
Most are depressed, the nature of their problem is usually more understandable, making them easier to communicate with. POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS35Approaching Suicidal People
Have feelings of hopelessness and helplessness and do not believe there is any way out of their situation.
There are many different reasons why people commit suicide. POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS36Approaching Suicidal People
Remember that a suicidal person may attempt to have others kill him.
Suicide by Cop or provoking an officer to kill a person is not uncommon.
Remain calm, displays of tension can heighten a critical situation.POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS37Approaching Suicidal People
Make a plan and follow it, rushing to rescue a person increases risk to all.
Be alert- crisis situations are unstable; continuously evaluate the crisis.
Remember that a suicidal person may be come homicidal. POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS38Approaching Suicidal People
If suicidal gestures are not apparent, ask the person about suicidal intent.
Minimize the presence of people with no need to be at the scene, including law enforcement personal.
This will reduce embarrassment as well as potential negative stimulation in the environment.POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS39Approaching Suicidal People
Do not make sudden moves- use physical tactics as a last resort.
Do not leave person unattended.
Do not deny the persons suicidal feelings.
Do not rush/ pressure the person to make decisions or to abandon their suicidal plan. POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS40SCHIZOPHRENIA
There are a wide variety of schizophrenic conditions, ranging from fairly good reality contact to major disorganization and deterioration of behavior.
Patterns of bizarre conduct
Individual may show a loss of control, often with paranoia, an inability to communicate logically, and hallucinatory behavior.
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS41Schizophrenia
Thoughts and speech appear illogical, or loosely and incoherently connected
Unrelated attitude in conversation
Words may be combined in a meaningless string
Attention fades in and outPOLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS42Schizophrenia
Severe indecisiveness and an inability to carry out normal activities
Disheveled appearance
Lack of drive or motivation
Withdrawn or absorbed in their own thoughts
Hallucinations
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS43Schizophrenia
Paranoid thinking
Irrational belief that he is superior; has a special calling; is God
Hostility and belligerence
Repetitive movementsPOLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS
44Schizophrenia
Incoherent and illogical patterns of thought and speech
Belief that someone is controlling their thoughts put thoughts into their head, or that people can read their thoughtsPOLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS45Schizophrenia
Dramatically increased or decreased body movements (characteristic of what is called catatonic schizophrenia)
Impaired impulse controlPOLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS
46Schizophrenia
Medications that are used to treat individuals who are psychotic and/ or delusional include:
HaldolProlixinStellazineClozarilRisperdalZyprexaGeodanAbilifyPOLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS47PERSONALITY DISORDERS
A very rigid pattern of inner experience and outward behavior that differs from the expectations of ones culture and leads to dysfunctions
Pattern is stable and long-lasting, and its onset can be traced back at least to adolescence or early adulthood.POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS48PERSONALITY DISORDERS
Personality disorders are separated into 3 groups: Odd or eccentric behaviorDramatic behaviorHigh degree of anxietyPOLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS49
RECOGNIZING EDPS
Recognizing and properly handling EDPs is critical to the effectiveness of Police Officers.
EDPs often exhibit behavior patterns and verbal indicators that seem Inappropriate, Inflexible, and Impulsive. POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS51RECOGNIZING EDPS
Inappropriate Physical Appearance:
Disheveled or bizarre physical appearance
Appearance that is inappropriate to the environment (ex: a person who wears shorts in winter, or a heavy coat in the summer)POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS
52RECOGNIZING EDPS
Inappropriate Body Movements:
Strange posture or mannerisms (ex: continuously looking over ones shoulder as if being followed, maintained the same or unusual body positions for an extended period of time, pacing or agitated movements, repetitive movements, or lethargic or sluggish movements)
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS
53RECOGNIZING EDPS
Disturbances in Perception
Responding to voices or objects that are not there
Expressions of extravagant ideas (ex: the person believes they are Dan Marino)
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS54RECOGNIZING EDPS
Disturbances in Perception
Hallucinations, delusions or other false beliefs.
Major memory lapses, confusion, or unawareness of people or surroundings
Rapid shifts in subject in a manner that seems incoherent.
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS55RECOGNIZING EDPS
DISTURBANCES IN THOUGHT
It may be hard to follow an EDPs train of thought.
They may jump from subject to subject in a manner that appears incoherent.
Their speech may be difficult or impossible to interrupt. POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS56RECOGNIZING EDPS
INNAPPROPRIATE MOODS OR RAPID MOOD SWINGS
Rapid or extreme mood swings from elation to depression.
Overreacting to a situation in an overly angry or frightened manner
Speech patterns that lack the normal ups and downs of emotion, or that contain uncontrollable bursts of emotionPOLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS57RECOGNIZING EDPS
INNAPPROPRIATE MOODS OR RAPID MOOD SWINGS
Expressing feelings of persecutions (ex: expressing ideas of being harassed or threatened)
Obsessive thoughts or preoccupation with subjects such as death or guilt
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS58RECOGNIZING EDPS
Acting or Threatening to Cause Injury to Self or Others
Cutting self with a sharp object, causing cigarette burns on body, starving self, or expressing a desire to do the same to self or othersPOLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS59RECOGNIZING EDPS
Inappropriate Decorations
Strange trimmings or inappropriate use of household items (ex: aluminum foil covering windows)
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS60RECOGNIZING EDPS
Inappropriate Waste or Trash
Hoarding or accumulating extraordinary amounts of household items (ex: accumulating extraordinary amounts of string, newspapers, paper bags, or trash to the extent that it becomes a safety and health hazard)
The presence of feces or urine on the floors or walls POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS61PROPER TACTICS WHEN HANDLING EDPS
Before arrival on scene of a possible EDP, or substance abuse incident, think TACTICS.
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS
62PROPER TACTICS WHEN HANDLING EDPS
Gather as much information as possible prior to arrival on scene:
Whether the person is armed with weapons
Medical or psychiatric history
Location of subject (home, park, ect.)
Presence of other adults, children, friends
Whether the person is violent
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS
63PROPER TACTICS WHEN HANDLING EDPS
Gather as much information as possible prior to arrival on scene:
Whether the person has an arrest record or history of violence
Whether the person has a history of alcohol or substance abuse
Whether other uniformed personnel are on the scene (ambulance, fire department, police)
Whether other officers know the person
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS
64PROPER TACTICS WHEN HANDLING EDPS
Get as much information regarding the EDP as possible from family members or other present.
This might include past incidents where police have been called, hospitalizations, medications, drug and alcohol use, past suicide attempts, history of violence, availability of weapons, and/ or what triggered the current incident
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS65PROPER TACTICS WHEN HANDLING EDPS
One officer should assume the role of the Contact Officer.
The contact officer will do all of the talking with the EDP. (This prevents the confusion and agitation that might ensue as a result of too may people talking at the same time).
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS
66PROPER TACTICS WHEN HANDLING EDPS
If you are the contact partner, lower you radio.
The cover officer will handle the radio
Coordinate your plan of action
POLICE RESPONSE TO EPDS67PROPER TACTICS WHEN HANDLING EDPS
Be aware of you surroundings (look for weapons, dangerous conditions, entrances, exits, ect.)
Maintain a safe distance from the EDP. When an EDP is violent, maintain a barrier between yourself and the EDP.POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS68PROPER TACTICS WHEN HANDLING EDPS
Respect the EDPs personal space (personal space is defined as the amount of space an individual needs between him and you to feel safe)
Avoid attempts to intimidate or threaten EDPs. Such techniques may work with rational criminals, but are likely to further excite EDPs. POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS69PROPER TACTICS WHEN HANDLING EDPS
Do not take offense at any actions or words directed against you. Remember that you are there because EDPs have mental health problems.
Even those who may have committed crimes may not be in control of themselves, and are not purposely trying to offend you or anybody else.
Their actions are not deliberate choices. Instead, they are the results of a psychiatric illness or other condition. POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS70PROPER TACTICS WHEN HANDLING EDPS
Do not rush unless necessary to protect yourself or others
Do not make sudden movements
Move deliberately and slowly
Keep a distance. DISTANCE EQUALS SAFETY
Keep a barrier between yourself and any potentially dangerous EDP
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS71
PROPER TACTICS WHEN HANDLING EDPS
Unless there is no other way to protect yourself or others against imminent harm, avoid behavior that causes agitation
Do not lie or try to deceive. Once you break trust with an EDP, it is almost impossible to get it back
Do not try to intimidate or frighten the EDP into submissionPOLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS
73PROPER TACTICS WHEN HANDLING EDPS
Do not crowd an EDP
Do not challenge the EDPs perceptions. These may be hallucinations or delusions, but they are real to him
Do not stare at or maintain ongoing eye contact with the EDP, who may see this as challenging or threatening
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS74PROPER TACTICS WHEN HANDLING EDPS
Do not act in a confrontational manner by arguing with or challenging the EDP
Remember, be empathetic and a good listener
If you are the designated contact partner, listen and try to maintain empathy
Act as calmly as possiblePOLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS75PROPER TACTICS WHEN HANDLING EDPS
Do not surprise your partner by taking any sudden or unexpected action unless someones safety is in imminent danger
Take as much time as you need to avoid injury to anybody
Dont lose this advantage by rushing or by forcing a confrontation
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS76Communicating with EDPs
In order to assess the situation, you may want to ask questions of the EDP.
When you try to communicate, be attentive to your tone of voice and body language.
Listen carefully, be empathetic, and avoid phrases that will trigger anger, misunderstandings, or agitation. POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS77Communicating with EDPS
If there is something about you or your partners way of talking that appears to agitate the EDP, have the officer with the best rapport be the designated contact officer
He or she will do all the talking with the EDP, while the other officer acts as the cover officer. POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS78Communicating with EDPs
Determine reasons for the individuals actions
Be honest- perceptions of deceit may escalate violence and be perceived as a challenge
Listen to the person- be an active, empathetic listener POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS79Communicating with EDPs
Ask simple and direct questions
Ask open-ended questions
Develop a rapport- this helps to overcome the persons fear and mistrust
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS80Communicating with EDPs
Recognize and respond to physical needs
Paraphrase responses and check for understanding
Identify and communicate with the healthy aspects of the person
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS81Communicating with EDPs
Continually assess the situation for danger
Maintain adequate space between you and the EDP
Be calm
Give firm, clear directionsPOLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS82Communicating with EDPs
If possible only one officer should talk to the person
Respond to apparent feelings, rather than content
Respond to delusions and hallucinations by talking about the persons feelings rather than what he is sayingPOLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS83Communicating with EDPs
Be helpful. People, generally will respond to questions concerning their basic needs (What would make you feel safer? Calmer?
Address basic needs when appropriate (tissue, cup of coffee, ect.)
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS
84Communicating with EDPs
Use simple acknowledgements- this encourages further communications:
Ex: uh huh, I see
Allow sufficient time for responsePOLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS85Communicating with EDPs
Encourage the person to respond
Use calm, simple, direct instructional/ request
Restate persons statements:ex: EDP: I cant sleepOfficer: Youre having difficulty sleeping?POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS86Communicating with EDPs
Use the term go on and and then? as general leads
Give broad opening such as you look like you need to talk things over with someone
This indicates willingness to listen and relieves tensionPOLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS87Communicating with EDPs
Seek clarification and problem for specifics. This encourages talking and provides accurate information
Ex: Im not sure I understand, could you explain?POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS88Communicating with EDPs
Avoid expressing approval or disapproval
Discuss alternatives. This enables the person to consider options
Ex: When you feel this depressed, what can you think of that might make you feel better?POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS89Communicating with EDPs
Use position of authority in a positive manner
Keep person talking; never reach complete closure
Stress positives, such as persons strengths, qualities, and resources.POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS90Communicating with EDPs
Respect, attentiveness, openness, acceptance and positive attitude increase effectiveness of communication
Appeal to emotions rather than intellect if you know the person is under the influence of drugs
Be quiet after asking a question; listen as carefully as you questionPOLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS91
Communicating with EDPs- DO NOT
Not join into behavior related to the persons mental illness (agreeing, disagreeing with delusions/ hallucinations)
Not stare at person- This may be interpreted as a threat
Not confuse the person- One officer should interact with the person. If a direction or command is given, follow throughPOLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS
93Communicating with EDPs- DO NOT
Not give multiple choices- Giving multiple choices increases the persons confusion
Not whisper, joke or laugh- This increases the persons suspicions and the potential for violencePOLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS94Communicating with EDPs- DO NOT
Not deceive the person- Being dishonest increases fear and suspicion; the person will likely discover the dishonesty and remember it in any subsequent contacts
Dont make promises/ threats that you cant follow through onPOLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS95Communicating with EDPs- DO NOT
Do not challenge the persons delusions
Do not allow yourself to be manipulated
Avoid yes or no responses to personal questions
Do not falsely threaten arrestPOLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS
96Communicating with EDPs- DO NOT
Do not legalize
Do not overreact to gang language, sexual, racial, ethnic insults
Do not order, command, warn, or threaten- this creates fear/ resistance, invites testing, promotes rebellious behavior
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS97Communicating with EDPs- DO NOT
Do not moralize, preach, or judge- this communicates a message of self righteousness.
Do not name-call or ridicule
Do not negate the seriousness of the crisis- this causes misunderstanding, evokes hostility, and causes the person to be embarrassed
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS98POSITIONAL ASPHYXIA
Positional asphyxia is death by inability to breath because of the position of ones body.
Occurs when subject is confined or held down in probe positions, rear-cuffed, lying on their abdomens.
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS99HOW TO AVOID POSITIONAL ASPHYXIA
Do not hogtie anybodyGet people in custody off their stomachs as soon as possibleDo not use ropes on anybodyPOLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS100MHL LAWS
SEE HANDOUTPOLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS101The five most frequent scenarios are as follows:
A family member, friend, or other concerned person calls the police for help during a psychiatric emergency.
A person with mental illness feels suicidal and calls the police as a cry for help.
Police officers encounter a person with mental illness behaving inappropriately in public.
Citizens call the police because they feel threatened by the unusual behavior or the mere presence of a person with mental illness.
A person with mental illness calls the police for help because of imagined threats.
POLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS102BE SAFEPOLICE RESPONSE TO EDPS103