Crisis InterventionCrisis InterventionAbnormal Behavior & Mental IllnessAbnormal Behavior & Mental Illness

Officer Mark BestMay 2006

Learning ObjectivesLearning Objectives(From Memory in a Classroom Environment)(From Memory in a Classroom Environment)

Name six elements of a tactical response.

ID the ITA’s four criteria for commitment.

Name four mimics to mental illness.

Three Types of Abnormal Three Types of Abnormal BehaviorBehavior

-1-______________________________-2- _____________________________-3- _____________________________

Neurotic ExperiencesNeurotic Experiences(1(1stst of 3 abnormal behavior types) of 3 abnormal behavior types)

Nervousness Distress Anxiety Guilt Depression

Neurotic BehaviorNeurotic Behavior

Worrying Avoiding Showing a lack of insight Regressing Panicking

Neurotic IllnessesNeurotic Illnesses

Phobias Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Psychotic ExperiencesPsychotic Experiences(2(2ndnd of 3 abnormal behavior types) of 3 abnormal behavior types)

Altered states of consciousness through…perceptionthoughtemotion

This person loses touch with reality.

Psychotic PhenomenaPsychotic Phenomena

Delusions Hallucinations

Common Psychotic Common Psychotic IllnessesIllnesses

Manic-depressive disorder aka bi-polar Paranoia Schizophrenia

Triggers of Psychotic Triggers of Psychotic ExperiencesExperiences

MourningPTSDDrugs: esp. LSD, opium, shroomsDetoxingDementia Sleep Deprivation

Psychopath / SociopathPsychopath / Sociopath(3(3rdrd of 3 types of abnormal behavior) of 3 types of abnormal behavior)

A deeply ingrained, inflexible pattern of thoughts and behavior that persists throughout a person’s life.

These people know exactly what they are doing.

Signs of a Signs of a Psychopath/SociopathPsychopath/Sociopath

No empathy Incapable of feeling remorse Egocentric

Behavior of a Behavior of a Psychopath / SociopathPsychopath / Sociopath

Displays behavior problems early in life Lies pathologically Has a sexually exaggerated life Takes risks Lives impulsively Lives egocentrically Excessively boasts

Facts regardingFacts regardingPsychopaths / SociopathsPsychopaths / Sociopaths

There is an extremely high recidivism rate.

The insanity plea is not an option. There is no cure / medication.

Theoretical Origins of a Theoretical Origins of a Psychopath/SociopathPsychopath/Sociopath

Heredity Disease Emotional Deprivation

Mental IllnessMental Illness

As an officer/deputy, you will encounter a mentally ill person nearly every day.

3-pronged “Mission” While 3-pronged “Mission” While Contacting a Mentally Contacting a Mentally

Disturbed PersonDisturbed Person

_____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________

A Point of DecencyA Point of Decency

A person is not their “illness.” I.Q. is unrelated to M.I.

Facts About Mental IllnessFacts About Mental Illness

term: acute OR chronic onset: any time

Signs of Mental IllnessSigns of Mental Illness

Rapid, uninterruptible speechIncoherent or disorganized speechTalking or laughing to selfHallucinations

More Signs of Mental IllnessMore Signs of Mental Illness

DelusionsErratic thinkingRapid mood swingsBlank stare or catatonic behavior

Tactical ResponseTactical Response

Do: _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________

Tactical ResponseTactical Response

Don’t: ___________________ ___________________ ________________________________

Tactical ConsiderationsTactical Considerations

Critical: observing before engaging

Crowds Expect sudden changes Use restraints

Involuntary Treatment ActInvoluntary Treatment Act(I T A)(I T A)

Allows us to detain a person to be evaluated & treated for a mental illness without their consent.

Involuntary Treatment ActInvoluntary Treatment Act

Enacted: 1974 Last amended: 1998. RCW 71.05.150

The ITA addresses 3 ThingsThe ITA addresses 3 Things

Rights for the M.I. Powers for the MHP’s Guidelines for L.E.

ITA Commitment CriteriaITA Commitment Criteria

-1- _________________OR-2- _________________OR-3- _________________OR-4- _________________

Some MimicsSome Mimics

__________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________

Alzheimer’s DiseaseAlzheimer’s Disease

A brain disease, not normal aging Nerve cells in the brain are

destroyed Most common form of dementia Degenerative – terminal

Symptomatic Behaviors of Symptomatic Behaviors of an A.D. Patientan A.D. Patient

Dresses inappropriately Appears confused & disoriented Is frightened Behaves angrily, violently

Common Reasons We Common Reasons We Contact A.D. PatientsContact A.D. Patients

Missing person False reporting Shoplifting Indecent exposure Erratic driving

Prevalence of A.D.Prevalence of A.D.

~10% of those 65+ ~50% of those 85+

Tactical A.D. ResponseTactical A.D. Response The same as for a mentally ill

person

Restraint Considerations

The same as with a mentally ill person

AND… If using, pay special attention to

avoid bone and joint injury.

The Safe Return ProgramThe Safe Return Program

Issues ID bracelets Is a liaison for the missing or

found 800-572-1122

Q & AQ & A

ReviewReview

Name six elements of a tactical response.

ID the ITA’s four criteria for commitment.

Name four mimics to mental illness.

……& finally,& finally,

What do you get when you cross a pit bull with a collie? A dog that rips your leg off, then runs for help.

-A Prairie Home Companion

Next Time:Next Time:

Suicide