NCJ Number
179405
Journal
Sheriff Volume: 51 Issue: 3 Dated: May-June 1999 Pages: 14-63
Date Published
October 1999
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article suggests how police agencies should respond to mentally ill complainants whose voluntary visit to the police station stems from severe disturbance in thinking, perception, and/or behavior.
Abstract
Law enforcement officials' duties should not include diagnosing mental illness in those persons with whom they come in contact; however, officers should be able to recognize symptoms of mental illness and assess risk. Toward that end, this article describes the symptoms of various types of common emotional disorders. Although most mentally ill persons are nonviolent, a small proportion may pose a risk to society. Law enforcement and public safety personnel can improve their understanding of mental illness and better manage situations that involve mentally ill persons. It is important for officers to know how to communicate with persons under stress, including mentally ill persons. Listening skills are particularly important for the assessment of a person's perceptions, personality traits, and possible victimization experience. When dealing with people who come to the police station with a complaint, officers should observe their behavior in the lobby or waiting room; ask the receptionist about an individual's history of agency visits; request assistance if a visitor's behavior is unusual; request identification; conduct searches of individuals and their possessions; allow the person to talk; and do not take anger personally or deceive or judge the person. Finally, contact a mental health crisis team if deemed needed.