42 Questions
What is the primary role of law enforcement in regards to involuntary detention?
Answering calls related to mental illness
What is a necessary criterion for law enforcement to involuntarily detain an individual?
The individual is a threat to themselves or others, and exhibits symptoms of a mental disorder, mental illness, or is under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs
What is the purpose of obtaining an affidavit in the context of involuntary detention?
To make an application for 96-hour detention, evaluation, and treatment
What is the primary concern of society in regards to the psychologically disturbed?
The safety of the psychologically disturbed person and society at large
What is the typical duration of detention, evaluation, and treatment for an individual involuntarily detained?
96 hours
Why are police officers increasingly responding to service calls involving psychologically disturbed people?
Because of the growing concern for the safety of the psychologically disturbed person and society at large
What is a crucial aspect of a mental disorder according to the given definition?
Significantly impairing a person's rational thinking
In the 1994 double murder case, what was the condition of the son who killed his parents?
He was mentally retarded
What is the primary concern for an officer deciding whether to take a mentally disturbed person into custody?
The legal and psychological factors
What percentage of people who succeed at suicide have attempted it previously?
At least 50%
What is the most common method of suicide, according to the text?
Gun
What should an officer do when responding to a suicidal emergency?
Stay with the individual until treatment is obtained
Why should an officer not trust rapid recoveries during a suicide crisis?
Because the individual may relapse later
What should an officer not do when responding to a suicidal emergency?
Try to shock the person out of suicide
What should an officer do when an individual has attempted suicide?
Provide medical treatment immediately
What is the significance of an officer being the first responder to a suicidal emergency?
The officer may be the individual's single source of help
What percentage of individuals who attempt suicide give some indication of their intent in advance of the act?
80%
What should an officer do when responding to a personal crisis?
Be non-judgmental, allow the individual to discuss their problem, and get someone important to the individual to the scene or on the phone
What is the primary concern for an officer when dealing with a suicidal person?
The officer's own safety
What should an officer do when an individual claims to want to commit suicide?
Talk slowly and empathetically
What is the goal of the officer's intervention when dealing with a suicidal person?
To provide psychological first aid and lay the foundation for subsequent remedial treatment
What should an officer do when communicating with a suicidal person?
Speak slowly and softly
What is the primary reason why an officer should not provoke or escalate the situation?
Because it may escalate the situation and make it more difficult to resolve
What should an officer do when evaluating the suicidal person's resources?
Assess both the individual's internal and external resources
Why is it unrealistic to expect a police officer to successfully prevent every suicide?
Because there are never any absolutes when dealing with human behavior
What is the goal of stalling techniques when dealing with a suicidal person?
To calm the individual down and prevent immediate harm
What percentage of spoken language can the best speech readers read in ideal one-to-one situations?
26%
What is the primary method of communication that police officers will likely use with a deaf person after the initial interaction?
Written communication
What is the average annual output of Braille material by the Midwestern Braille Volunteers?
50,000 pages
What is the main challenge in speech reading for deaf people?
60% of English words look similar on the lips
What is the significance of the American Sign Language (ASL) in the United States?
It is the sign language most often used by deaf persons in the United States
Why is it important for police officers to be aware of communication obstacles?
To overcome communication obstacles in role plays and street situations
What is the importance of providing a reality basis in crisis intervention?
To introduce yourself and establish a connection with the individual
What is the primary goal of a police officer when dealing with an individual in crisis?
To help the individual return to normal as quickly as possible
Why is it important to take every suicide threat seriously?
Because the individual genuinely wants to end their life
What should you do when communicating with an individual who is hearing impaired?
Use sign language if you know it, or try to determine if the individual can read lips
How many Americans have some form of hearing impairment?
Approximately 13 million
What is the purpose of controlling the environment in crisis intervention?
To make the environment less threatening and more calm
Why is it important to stay with the individual in crisis?
To provide continuous support and reassurance
What should you avoid doing when dealing with an individual who is suicidal?
Moralizing or analyzing the individual's situation
What is the importance of being non-judgmental when dealing with an individual in crisis?
To avoid making the individual feel judged or criticized
What should you do if you are unable to communicate with an individual who is hearing impaired?
Try to find an interpreter
Study Notes
Role of Peace Officers in Involuntary Detention
- Law enforcement's primary role is answering calls, which may involve individuals suspected of suffering from mental illness or mental disorder.
- Criteria for involuntary detention:
- Symptoms of mental disorder, mental illness, or influence of alcohol/drugs
- Likelihood of serious physical harm to self or others (defined in RSMo 632.005)
- Process of involuntary detention:
- Obtaining affidavits
- Making application for 96-hour detention, evaluation, and treatment
- Referral
Detention of the Mentally Disturbed
- Police officers increasingly respond to calls involving psychologically disturbed people.
- Legal provisions permit police officers to take psychologically disturbed people into custody for evaluation and treatment.
- Definition of mental disorder:
- "A mental disorder is a psychological and/or medical statement which significantly impairs a person's abilities to think rationally, exercise adequate control over aggressive behavior and sexual impulses, and/or take reasonable care of his/her welfare with regard to clothing, food, shelter, and safety."
Case Study: 1994 Double Murder in Glendale, Southwest St. Louis County
- Mentally retarded adult son killed his parents after telling family members of his intention to do so.
- Importance of understanding the legal and psychological factors in detaining mentally disturbed individuals.
Suicide Prevention and Intervention
- Definition of suicide: a willful act designed to end one's own life.
- Statistics:
- 50% of people who succeed at suicide have attempted it previously.
- 75% give clear warning of their intention.
- Common methods of suicide:
- Gun
- Hanging
- Ingested poison
- Carbon monoxide
- Managing suicidal emergencies:
- Stay with the individual until treatment is obtained.
- Remove dangerous items from the area.
- Listen to the individual's concerns.
- Take suicide threats seriously.
Communication Principles for Crisis Intervention
- Approach the individual in a controlled, warm, and reassuring manner.
- Listen actively and respond appropriately.
- Provide emotional support and reassurance.
- Control the environment to make it less threatening and more calm.
Responding to Suicide Attempts
- Take every suicide threat seriously.
- Assume the individual genuinely wants to end their life.
- Protect the individual from harming themselves.
- Treat life-threatening injuries.
- Don't try to talk the individual out of their feelings.
- React with honesty and empathy.
Impairments and Special Needs
- The hearing impaired:
- Use sign language if possible.
- Determine if the individual can read lips.
- Use written messages if necessary.
- The visually impaired:
- Use Braille materials if necessary.
- Utilize resources such as the Missouri School for the Blind and the Midwestern Braille Volunteers.
Overcoming Communication Obstacles
- Communication obstacles, including language barriers, mental disorders, and physical impairments, can be challenging for law enforcement.
- Effective communication is crucial in crisis situations.
- Recruits must demonstrate problem-solving skills to overcome communication obstacles.
This quiz covers the role of peace officers in involuntary detention of individuals suspected of suffering from mental illness. It focuses on the decision-making process of law enforcement in such situations.
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