NCJ Number
185476
Journal
Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Volume: 28 Issue: 3 Dated: 2000 Pages: 345-347
Date Published
2000
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article discusses police interaction with emotionally disturbed persons(EPDs).
Abstract
Training designed to help officers deal with EDPs should teach that there is a difference between rational offenders and EDPs and that they will be held responsible for treating these situations with concern for life. The dangers and unpredictability of police encounters with EDPs can be greatly reduced by ensuring that officers: (1) keep a safe distance away from EDPs; (2) avoid unnecessary and provocative displays or threats of force; (3) avoid confronting an EDP while alone, call for backup assistance so the EDP can be contained at the same time bystanders are cleared away; (4) designate one of their number to talk to the EDP and keep quiet everyone else on the scene; (5) make sure that the talker is in charge of the scene and nobody makes unplanned action unless life is in immediate danger; (6) make sure that the talker does not threaten the EDP but makes it plain that the police want to help and the best way to accomplish this is for the EDP to put down any weapons and come with the police; and (7) take as much time as necessary to talk EDPs into custody. Note, references