3.400 Flashcards
What is a behavioral emergency (BHE)?
A situation in which an individual’s actions pose an immediate risk to officers, themselves, or others, requiring prompt intervention to prevent harm
Signs may include elevated body temperature, profuse sweating, and violent resistance
What is the purpose of the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)?
To help persons with mental disorders and/or addictions access medical treatment rather than place them in the criminal justice system
It promotes officer safety and the safety of the individual in crisis
Who is a CIT certified officer?
An on-duty uniformed officer who has completed LVMPD’s 40-hour CIT training
They are dispatched to events involving persons known to have a mental illness
What does the CIT After Action Report track?
It tracks and documents a CIT response and shares information for officer safety and follow-up services
What criteria define a mental crisis?
Anyone with a mental illness whose capacity for self-control, judgment, and discretion is diminished, presenting a substantial likelihood of serious harm to self or others
What is considered a developmental disability?
A condition diagnosed before age 22 that results in substantial functional limitations in major life activities
Examples include autism and cerebral palsy
What is the role of an intervention officer (IO)?
To coordinate with the Behavioral Health Unit on at-risk individuals and conduct follow-up to resolve ongoing issues
What is a walk-away mental health patient?
A person declared of unsound mind by court order who has walked away from a hospital or mental health facility
What does the Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) focus on?
Social services and outreach to at-risk populations, particularly the unhoused and those with substance addiction and mental illness
What are the responsibilities of CIT coordinators?
Facilitate CIT training, compile CIT After Action Reports, and conduct follow-up with subjects who have multiple Legal 2000s
What situations will CIT officers be dispatched to?
- Subjects threatening suicide under volatile circumstances
- Symptoms of behavioral emergency
- Disturbances involving mental illness
- Assisting in custody of walk-away patients
- Escalating situations where CIT presence is beneficial
What situations will CIT officers NOT be dispatched to?
- Vague suicide threats
- Non-violent overdose cases
- Report purposes only after hospital transport
What should the Communications Bureau do when receiving a report of a behavioral emergency?
- Prepare the event for dispatch
- Forward to area dispatcher
- Note ‘possible behavioral emergency’ in CAD comments
What is the initial action required by responding patrol officers when assessing a behavioral emergency?
Confer with on-site first responders to determine if the person is suffering from a behavioral emergency
What is the objective of the custody plan formulated by responding officers?
To de-escalate the situation, calm the individual, and gain control of the person
True or False: Mental illness alone should dictate a specific police response.
False
Individuals should only be taken into custody with probable cause or if they present a clear danger
Fill in the blank: The Behavioral Health Unit serves as the central point of contact for associated initiatives and coordinates with _______.
area commands
What is the first step an officer will take when assessing a situation involving a behavioral emergency?
Assess situation and confer with on-site first responders to determine if the person is suffering from a behavioral emergency.
If a behavioral emergency is suspected, what should the officer request?
Request medical personnel, supervisor, and CIT officer to respond immediately.
What is the objective of the custody plan formulated by officers?
To de-escalate the situation, calm the individual, and gain control of the person.
What should the custody plan include regarding monitoring the subject?
A designated officer to monitor the subject’s breathing.
What steps should be taken for the care of the individual?
- Place the subject in the recovery position
- Consider the use of two sets of handcuffs
- Monitor the subject’s breathing
- Coordinate with medical personnel for transfer of custody.
When should the custody plan be executed?
Quickly once sufficient officers are present to prevent escalation.
What is the criteria for emergency admission of persons with mental illness?
A person presents a substantial likelihood of serious harm to themselves or others.
What must be done before transporting a person with an alleged mental illness to a treatment facility?
- Be examined at a licensed hospital
- If treatment is required, be admitted for medical care.
What documentation must be completed by officers for emergency admissions?
Legal 2000 form.
What should be done if a subject is not to be admitted to a hospital?
Take appropriate police action, which could include arrest, citation, or release.
What is the role of LIMA coordinators?
- Ensure subjects meet qualification standards
- Coordinate with clinicians for needs assessments
- Conduct follow-up visits with clients.
What type of offenses are eligible for diversion into LIMA?
- Non-violent misdemeanors
- Non-violent drug-related felonies (with exceptions)
- Non-violent county/city codes and/or ordinances.
What disqualifies an individual from participating in the LIMA program?
- Does not appear amenable to diversion
- Unable to give consent
- Suspected drug sale activity
- Registered sex offender
- Needs acute emergency care.
True or False: Parent/guardian consent is required to place a juvenile on a mental health crisis hold.
False.
What should officers document when attempting to contact a parent/guardian?
Time, date, and type of notification.
What must be done if a crime is committed at a mental health facility?
Determine if a crime has been committed and take action.
What is the protocol for officers entering mental health facilities?
Secure all weapons prior to entry.
What is the purpose of the CIT After Action Report?
To document the response and actions taken during an incident involving a behavioral emergency.
Fill in the blank: An individual is deemed to present a substantial likelihood of serious harm if they are at serious risk of _______.
Attempting suicide or homicide.
