Community Policing & De-escalation Flashcards

Under CPD's de-escalation policy, what is the PRIMARY goal when encountering a person in a mental health crisis?

Answer: Stabilize the situation and connect the person to appropriate services

CPD policy prioritizes stabilizing mental health crisis situations and linking individuals to appropriate care rather than defaulting to arrest or force.

A CPD officer is trying to communicate with an agitated individual who does not speak English. What is the BEST immediate step?

Answer: Request a language-line interpreter or bilingual officer

CPD General Order requires officers to access language services such as the language line or bilingual personnel to ensure effective communication.

Which CPD strategy involves officers being regularly assigned to specific geographic beats to build long-term community relationships?

Answer: Beat integrity

Beat integrity means officers consistently work their assigned beat, enabling them to know residents, businesses, and local conditions deeply over time.

During a traffic stop, the driver becomes increasingly hostile and begins yelling. Which de-escalation technique should the officer use FIRST?

Answer: Allow the driver to express frustration while maintaining a calm, professional tone

Active listening and a calm demeanor often reduce hostility; allowing the person to vent while the officer stays professional is a core de-escalation step.

What is the purpose of CPD's Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program?

Answer: To train officers to recognize and respond more effectively to mental health crises

CIT training equips officers with specialized skills to identify mental health crises and de-escalate them safely, often diverting individuals to treatment instead of jail.

A resident reports drug dealing in a park but fears retaliation if identified. How should a CPD officer practicing community policing respond?

Answer: Thank the resident, take the information confidentially, and follow up without exposing the source

Community policing depends on trust; officers must protect confidential sources to encourage ongoing information sharing.

When is the use of the CPD's Predictive Risk Assessment for de-escalation contacts MOST appropriate?

Answer: Before or during engagement to inform tactical planning and resource deployment

Pre-contact risk assessments help officers anticipate potential hazards and select appropriate de-escalation strategies before physical contact occurs.