Crisis Intervention and Mental Health
Core concepts
Understand crisis intervention principles: recognizing signs of mental illness, developmental disability, substance intoxication, and suicidal ideation. Know de-escalation techniques (active listening, calm tone, reducing stimuli, time and distance, empathy) and the goal of connecting the person to services rather than custody when appropriate. Know the legal framework for emergency mental health holds under state law, and the limits on using force against a person in crisis. Understand suicide risk factors and protective factors, and the importance of not promising confidentiality.
Traps
A common trap is assuming a person in crisis is automatically dangerous or automatically not dangerous. Another is using commands that escalate rather than de-escalate. Questions often test whether an officer may take a person into protective custody-this depends on state law and specific criteria. Watch for questions that treat mental illness as a crime.
Rule of thumb
Use the "slow it down" rule: reduce stimuli, create distance, listen, and give the person choices. Force is a last resort, and the goal is safety plus connection to care.
Worked example
A person on a bridge threatens suicide. The officer slows the approach, speaks calmly, avoids sudden movements, and asks open-ended questions. The officer does not promise secrecy. If the person steps back from the edge, the officer continues de-escalation and arranges a mental health evaluation consistent with state law.