TCOLE Crisis Intervention and Mental Health

Question 1

Under Texas Health and Safety Code 573.001, when may an officer take a person into custody without a warrant for emergency detention?

Accepted Answer

When the officer has reason to believe the person has a mental illness and, because of it, poses a substantial risk of serious harm to self or others unless immediately restrained, and there is not enough time to get a warrant

Answer

Section 573.001 requires reason to believe the person has a mental illness, a substantial risk of serious harm to self or others unless immediately restrained, and insufficient time to obtain a warrant. A mental health history alone is not enough.

Question 2

After taking a person into custody under an emergency detention, where must the officer take them?

Accepted Answer

The nearest appropriate inpatient mental health facility or a facility deemed suitable by the local mental health authority

Answer

An emergency detention is a mental health intervention, not an arrest. The officer must transport the person to the nearest appropriate inpatient mental health facility, or another suitable facility, and not to jail.

Question 3

Which approach is most consistent with de-escalation when dealing with a person in an apparent mental health crisis who is not an immediate threat?

Accepted Answer

Slow the pace, give space, speak calmly, and use time and distance to gain voluntary cooperation

Answer

Crisis intervention training teaches that when there is no immediate threat, time, distance, and calm communication reduce the chance of escalation and the need for force.

Question 4

Which behavior is most likely to indicate that a person may be experiencing a mental health crisis rather than intentional noncompliance?

Accepted Answer

Disorganized speech, delusional statements, or responding to things the officer cannot see or hear

Answer

Disorganized thinking, delusions, and hallucinations are common signs of a mental health crisis. They can make a person unable to understand or follow commands.

Question 5

Texas law enforcement agencies may use a magistrate's order for emergency apprehension in some cases. In an emergency detention under 573.001, what must the officer do with respect to documentation at the facility?

Accepted Answer

Prepare a written notification of the emergency detention stating the circumstances and the reasons for it

Answer

The officer must prepare a written notification of emergency detention. It must state the person's identity, the officer's belief that detention was needed, and the facts supporting it, including the person's behavior and any witness statements.

TCOLE - Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Practice Test

TCOLE - Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Practice Test

TCOLE Crisis Intervention and Mental Health