DCJS Mental Health & Crisis Intervention 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following behaviors is MOST commonly associated with a subject experiencing a psychotic episode?
- Calm, coherent speech with logical thought patterns
- Hallucinations, delusions, or severely disorganized thinking (Correct answer)
- Rapid calculation and hyper-focus on tasks
- Mild anxiety with controlled breathing
Correct answer: Hallucinations, delusions, or severely disorganized thinking
Psychosis is characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking that disconnect the individual from reality.
Question 2: A person experiencing a diabetic emergency may display symptoms similar to intoxication or mental illness. Which symptom most distinguishes a diabetic emergency?
- Slurred speech alone
- Rapid improvement after consuming sugar (Correct answer)
- Aggressive behavior with no physical complaints
- Pinpoint pupils and slow breathing
Correct answer: Rapid improvement after consuming sugar
A key indicator of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is rapid improvement in symptoms after administering glucose or sugar.
Question 3: During a hostage or barricade situation involving a subject with apparent mental illness, the FIRST priority of responding officers is:
- Immediate tactical entry to neutralize the threat
- Containment and de-escalation while awaiting specialized resources (Correct answer)
- Arrest of all bystanders in the area
- Issuing an ECO without contacting a magistrate
Correct answer: Containment and de-escalation while awaiting specialized resources
The first priority is containment and de-escalation to preserve life while specialized mental health and tactical resources are summoned.
Question 4: What is 'suicide by cop,' and why must officers be aware of it during crisis encounters?
- A legal defense used by officers who use deadly force
- A situation where an individual deliberately provokes officers to use deadly force as a means of ending their own life (Correct answer)
- A policy requiring officers to call for backup before engaging armed subjects
- A type of criminal charge filed against officers who misuse force
Correct answer: A situation where an individual deliberately provokes officers to use deadly force as a means of ending their own life
'Suicide by cop' refers to a situation where an individual intentionally provokes a deadly force response from law enforcement as a method of self-destruction, requiring officers to recognize the behavior and attempt de-escalation.
Question 5: Virginia's Comprehensive Services Act (CSA) is relevant to law enforcement because it:
- Authorizes officers to use force on juveniles with mental illness
- Coordinates community-based services for troubled youth and their families (Correct answer)
- Establishes mandatory minimum sentences for mental health offenses
- Requires officers to administer psychiatric medication in the field
Correct answer: Coordinates community-based services for troubled youth and their families
The CSA creates a collaborative system for providing community-based services to at-risk youth and families, which officers should be aware of as a referral resource.
Question 6: Which warning sign MOST strongly suggests a subject is at high risk for suicide?
- Expressing frustration about traffic
- Giving away prized possessions and saying goodbye to loved ones (Correct answer)
- Requesting to speak with a supervisor
- Asking questions about local laws
Correct answer: Giving away prized possessions and saying goodbye to loved ones
Giving away prized possessions and saying final goodbyes are classic preparatory behaviors indicating imminent suicide risk.
Question 7: When transporting a mentally ill subject under a TDO, where should Virginia law enforcement transport the individual?
- The nearest jail for psychiatric screening
- The appropriate community services board or designated facility for evaluation (Correct answer)
- Any hospital emergency room
- The subject's home after contacting family
Correct answer: The appropriate community services board or designated facility for evaluation
Virginia law requires that individuals under a TDO be transported to a designated facility or community services board location for emergency psychiatric evaluation.
DCJS Mental Health & Crisis Intervention 2
Which of the following behaviors is MOST commonly associated with a subject experiencing a psychotic episode?