NCJ Number
117210
Date Published
1987
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This study proposes training patrol officers in crisis intervention and crisis management, thus enabling them to defuse potentially violent situations and assist overburdened mental health professionals.
Abstract
The goals of crisis intervention and crisis management are discussed in detail, with emphasis on their mutual goal of saving lives. Crisis intervention often occurs to aid and ensure the safety of a troubled person. Crisis management often calls for the development of negotiation skills when hostages or innocent bystanders are involved. In many situations faced by police officers, techniques of crisis intervention and crisis management can diminish tension and violence. Because an understanding of potential clients is important, the authors discuss crisis intervention for high risk clients. The particular needs of psychotic and emotionally disturbed clients, criminally aggressive clients, and deviant and sociopathic individuals are also discussed. An approach to crisis intervention for high risk clients is detailed, focusing on the collaborative contribution to be made by crisis intervention specialists and police patrol officers. 11 references.