SOCE Crisis Intervention and De-escalation

Question 1

What is the primary goal of crisis intervention training (CIT) for law enforcement officers?

Accepted Answer

Equip officers to safely and effectively respond to individuals experiencing mental health crises

Answer

CIT prepares officers to recognize mental health crises, de-escalate situations safely, and connect individuals with appropriate mental health resources rather than defaulting to arrest.

Question 2

Which communication technique is MOST effective when talking with a person in emotional crisis?

Accepted Answer

Active listening, using calm tone, and acknowledging the person's feelings

Answer

Active listening and empathetic acknowledgment help de-escalate emotional crises by validating feelings and building rapport, reducing the person's arousal level.

Question 3

An officer encounters a man on a bridge who says he wants to jump. What is the officer's FIRST priority?

Accepted Answer

Establish communication, build rapport, and buy time while requesting specialized resources

Answer

In a suicide intervention, establishing calm communication and building rapport is the first priority while waiting for crisis negotiators or mental health resources.

Question 4

What does the acronym 'ALGEE' stand for in the Mental Health First Aid framework used in crisis response?

Accepted Answer

Assess for risk, Listen non-judgmentally, Give reassurance, Encourage professional help, Encourage self-help

Answer

ALGEE is the Mental Health First Aid action plan: Assess risk of suicide/harm, Listen non-judgmentally, Give reassurance and information, Encourage professional help, Encourage self-help.

Question 5

Which behavior by an officer is MOST likely to escalate a situation with a person in crisis?

Accepted Answer

Using a loud, aggressive tone and issuing rapid commands

Answer

Loud, aggressive communication and rapid commands elevate the arousal and fear response of a person in crisis, increasing the likelihood of dangerous behavior.

SOCE - State Officer Certification Examination Practice Test

SOCE - State Officer Certification Examination Practice Test

SOCE Crisis Intervention and De-escalation