Dealing with the Mentally ill Flashcards
What are the types of mental illness that unarmed security officers might encounter?
Schizophrenia, Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive-compulsive disorder
What are common symptoms of mental illness?
Audio or visual hallucinations, disorientation, paranoia, aggression
What are general indicators of mental illness?
abnormal body language, muttering or talking to themselves, inordinate personal space requirements
What are some other general indicators of mental illness?
verbal or physical outbursts, non-communicative withdrawal, non-compliance with commands
What are the initial action steps to take when dealing with the mentally ill?
Offer more personal space, keep a distance of 6 to 12 feet for agitated or aggressive persons, call for backup, alert your boss, work as a team ( one officer should be to the side and assist only if necessary), only team leader talks to the person
What mistake do unarmed security guards and police officers make when dealing with the mentally ill?
Moving too quickly, being too authoritative
What does it mean to use the softer approach when dealing with the mentally ill?
Remain calm, Do not overreact. Be aware of the rate, tone, and volume of your speech. Treat these individuals with respect. Address them professionally as “sir” or “ma’am”. Avoid confusing statements, Use short clear phrases, repeat as necessary, ease individuals into situations, always explain what is happening.If the person needs to be touched, notify him or her of this intent before it occurs.
If the person must accompany you to another area or ride in a vehicle, advise the person of what needs to happen.
If a person is suffering from mental illness, what would be a general indicator to look for?
Verbal or physical outbursts
If a person is in a state of extreme anxiety and produces a steady stream of mindless meaningless chatter that is rapid and nonstop, what should the security officer do?
Ask short questions to break the person’s stream of talking
What is the best choice for dealing with a mentally disturbed person who makes an outrageous claim?
just acknowledge the individual’s view of the world and offer to help
What can mental illness cause?
disorientation
What is not included as the most common type of mental illness?
social anxiety disorder
When dealing with a mentally ill person, which body part should you check to determine their anxiety level?
hands
When using a softer approach with a mentally ill person, what should the security officer do?
avoid confusing statements
What is one major mistake a security officer makes when dealing with the mentally ill?
Moving too quickly
