DPSST Mental Health and Crisis Intervention Flashcards

DPSST's Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) is primarily designed to help officers:

Answer: Respond safely and effectively to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis

CIT training equips officers with skills to safely manage encounters with people in mental health crisis and connect them to appropriate care.

Under Oregon law relevant to DPSST training, a 'civil hold' (emergency custody) may be initiated when a person:

Answer: Is a danger to themselves or others due to a mental disorder

A civil hold requires that the person pose an immediate danger to themselves or others as a result of a mental disorder.

Which communication technique is emphasized in DPSST CIT training for engaging a person in mental health crisis?

Answer: Active listening

Active listening—reflecting, validating, and building rapport—is the cornerstone of CIT communication strategy.

DPSST training identifies which of the following as a common sign that a person may be experiencing a psychiatric emergency?

Answer: Disorganized speech and confused thinking

Disorganized speech and confused thinking are recognized indicators of a possible psychiatric emergency requiring a CIT response.

According to DPSST guidelines, when approaching a subject in crisis, officers should first:

Answer: Create time and distance to assess the situation

Creating time and distance allows officers to safely assess a crisis situation before committing to a specific course of action.

DPSST CIT training teaches that 'therapeutic deception'—telling a person in crisis something false to gain compliance—is generally:

Answer: Discouraged because it damages trust and long-term community relationships

DPSST discourages therapeutic deception because it undermines trust and can worsen future interactions between the community and law enforcement.