Policing the Emotinonally Disturbed

Question 1

Mentall Ilness, Crime and Danger

Answer 1

• There is no causal relationship between mental illness and crime or between mental illness and violence.
• People with mental illness often exhibit behavior patterns and verbal indicators that seem inappropriate, inflexible, and impulsive

Question 2

Zone of Safety

Answer 2

A minimum distance of twenty (20) feet is recommended

Question 3

NYPD POLICY DEALING WITH EMOTIONALLY DISTURBED PERSONS

Answer 3

• If the emotionally disturbed person is armed or violent, no attempt will be made to take the EDP into custody without the specific direction of a supervisor
• isolate and contain

Question 4

When entering the psychiatric ward

Answer 4

o Sign in Psychiatric Admitting Log
o Unload firearm and place ammunition in pocket, holster weapon
o Safeguard the EDP until examined by a psychiatrist
• Must inform them of the circumstances that brought the EDP there
• Must inform relieving officer of the circumstances at EOT
o Upon departing:
• Make sure firearm is reloaded
• Prepare Aided card
• Sign out of the Psychiatric Admitting Log

Question 5

THE USE OF FORCE WHEN HANDLING EDPs

Answer 5

• With EDPs, as in every case, you may use only the minimum amount of force reasonably necessary to control the situation.

Question 6

Less-lethal devices

Answer 6

 Conducted Energy Device (Taser)
 3-foot polycarbonate shield (in RMP)
 Pepper spray (on person)
 Velcro restraining straps

Question 7

prohibited

Answer 7

-Do not hogtie
 Get people in custody off their stomachs as soon as possible
 Do not use ropes on anybody
 Do not use chokeholds
 Provide immediate help to people who have difficulty breathing:

Question 8

WHEN THE EDP HAS BEEN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY

Answer 8

• Remove property that is dangerous to life or will aid in escape.
• The uniformed member of the service must ride in the body of the ambulance with the EDP.

Question 9

Kendras Law

Answer 9

Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) is also referred to as “Kendra’s Law.” This law establishes the procedure for a court to commit an individual against their will to outpatient treatment.
Family members can make a petition for this law to the court for a person to be placed in AOT.