DPSST DPSST Mental Health and Crisis Intervention

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Respond safely and effectively to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis

Answer

Diagnose mental health conditions in the field

Answer

Commit individuals involuntarily to psychiatric facilities

Answer

Reduce the need for mental health professionals in emergency calls

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Has a history of mental illness but poses no immediate threat

Answer

Refuses to speak with an officer

Answer

Is found intoxicated in a public place

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Active listening

Answer

Rapid commands

Answer

Immediate physical intervention

Answer

Silent observation only

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Disorganized speech and confused thinking

Answer

Speaking calmly but quickly

Answer

Asking for a supervisor

Answer

Refusing to provide identification

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Create time and distance to assess the situation

Answer

Immediately apply restraints to prevent harm

Answer

Issue three verbal warnings before taking action

Answer

Contact a mental health clinician before speaking to the subject

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Discouraged because it damages trust and long-term community relationships

Answer

Encouraged as an effective de-escalation tool

Answer

Required before any civil hold can be initiated

Answer

Permitted only when the subject poses a deadly threat