Crisis Intervention and De-escalation Flashcards

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Answer: Using a loud, aggressive tone and issuing rapid commands

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

A person in a mental health crisis refuses to comply with officer commands but is not committing a crime. What is the appropriate response?

Answer: Attempt verbal de-escalation, request a CIT officer or crisis team, and avoid force unless safety is threatened

Mental health crisis situations call for de-escalation, specialized resources, and patience; force is only appropriate if there is an imminent safety threat.