NCJ Number
166976
Date Published
1997
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This training videotape depicts and explains the signs and symptoms a police officer should consider and the techniques to use when assessing, communicating, and taking action in a situation that involves someone who appears to have a mental disorder such as a mood disorder, thought disorder, or neurologic or organic condition.
Abstract
The film presents interactions between police officers and individuals with a variety of mental disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, a psychotic disorder, brain injury, drug abuse, developmental disability, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy. It advises police personnel to use a calm and more personal approach than in other encounters and to be aware of their voice tone, volume, words, and body language. The discussion emphasizes that the police officer's safety is the main concern and that control and containment are the first priority. Police officers are advised that they can detain a person who cannot provide for basic personal needs or is a danger to themselves or others. Other options are to suggest voluntary hospitalization or to return them to their residence. The steps in handling these situations are to assess the police officer's safety; determine if the person is oriented to their name, the place, and the time; assess the behavior and appearance to determine the type of disorder; ask specific questions; know what drugs are commonly prescribed; and take appropriate action.