Time and Space: The Key to Successful Mental Health Crisis Calls in Law Enforcement

As law enforcement officers, responding to calls involving mental health crises can be some of the most challenging and complex situations we face. These calls require a delicate balance of compassion, communication, and effective de-escalation techniques to ensure a successful outcome. A critical strategy that we emphasis in our training that can greatly increase the chances of success in these situations is the intentional insertion of time and space. So let’s explore how giving time and space during mental health crisis calls can lead to better outcomes for all parties involved.

Time and space refer to the deliberate act of creating distance and allowing time for individuals in crisis to calm down and regain control of their emotions. This can be achieved by officers maintaining a safe physical distance, avoiding unnecessary movements or gestures, and using calming verbal cues to communicate with the individual. It is crucial to remember that individuals experiencing mental health crises are often in a heightened state of distress, and any perceived threat or pressure can escalate the situation further. At Trigon we believe the most important job of law enforcement when responding to mental health crisis calls, is first and foremost to not make it worse.

By giving time and space, officers allow individuals in crisis to feel less threatened and more in control of the situation. This can help reduce their anxiety, agitation, or aggression and create an environment conducive to effective communication and de-escalation. It also provides officers with the opportunity to assess the situation more thoroughly and sanitize the scene. Which will help them make informed decisions about the appropriate course of action.

In addition, time and space provide an opportunity for additional resources to arrive on the scene. Mental health professionals or crisis intervention teams may be called upon to provide specialized expertise and support. These professionals can assess

the situation, provide guidance, and offer alternative strategies to manage the crisis effectively. Time and space allow for coordination and collaboration between law enforcement and mental health professionals, leading to better outcomes for the individual in crisis.

Another factor supporting this approach is that individuals in mental health crisis may not have the cognitive capacity to process information or make rational decisions. Inserting time and space provides them with the opportunity to regain clarity and coherence, which can lead to more meaningful communication and cooperation. Rushing or pressuring the individual can escalate the situation and result in unintended consequences.

In some cases, time and space may also provide an opportunity for the individual to self-stabilize leading to voluntarily compliance with officer's instructions, reducing the need for use of force. It allows for a more peaceful resolution, preserves the dignity of the individual, and minimizes the risk of injuries or trauma.

Moreover, this aligns with the principles of community policing, which emphasizes building positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. When officers utilize this tactic, they demonstrate a commitment to understanding and addressing the underlying issues that contribute to mental health crises, rather than resorting to punitive measures. This helps to foster trust, respect, and cooperation between law enforcement and the community.

In closing, inserting time and space into mental health crisis calls is a critical strategy that can significantly increase successful outcomes for law enforcement officers. It allows individuals in crisis to regain control, officers to gather information, garner resources and make informed decisions. Hopefully inserting mental health professionals to provide specialized support. By prioritizing time and space, law enforcement agencies can demonstrate a compassionate and effective response to mental health crises, ultimately leading to safer and more positive outcomes for all parties involved. Let's strive to incorporate this strategy into our crisis intervention training and practices and prioritize the well-being of individuals experiencing mental health crises in our communities.

Five Ways a Crisis Intervention Program will reduce liability for your officers and agency.

Overall, CIT training is an effective way to reduce officer and departmental liability by promoting a more thoughtful and compassionate approach to policing. By improving communication, reducing the use of force, and promoting safety for all involved, CIT training can help to prevent costly legal battles and protect the reputation of law enforcement departments.

1. Increased Officer Safety.

By equipping officers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively respond to crisis situations, CIT training can help improve officer safety. This can reduce the risk of injuries to officers, as well as the risk of lawsuits and other legal claims related to officer safety.

2. Improved Crisis Response.

Crisis Intervention training equips officers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively de-escalate crisis situations involving individuals experiencing mental health or substance abuse issues. By responding to these situations in a more humane and compassionate manner, officers can reduce the risk of injuries, property damage, and other negative outcomes.

3. Reduced Use of Force.

CIT training emphasizes the use of non-lethal force and encourages officers to use verbal communication and other de-escalation techniques before resorting to physical force. This can help reduce the risk of excessive force lawsuits, which can be costly for both officers and departments.

4. Improved Interagency Coordination.

CIT training promotes collaboration between law enforcement agencies, mental health professionals, and other community partners. This can help officers connect individuals in crisis with appropriate resources, reducing the risk of liability for officers and departments.

5. Enhanced Documentation.

The training also includes instruction on how to properly document interactions with individuals experiencing mental health or substance abuse issues. This can help officers provide more accurate and comprehensive reports, which can be useful in defending against lawsuits and other legal claims.

Bonus (Compliance with Legal Requirements).

Crisis Intervention training helps officers to better understand their legal obligations when responding to individuals in crisis. This can help to ensure that officers comply with legal requirements related to the use of force and the treatment of individuals with mental health conditions. As they are often different then those that apply to someone who has broken the law.

Clearing Up

CIT training will help reduce officer and departmental liability by promoting more effective crisis response, reducing the use of force, improving documentation, promoting interagency coordination, and increasing officer safety. At the very least a well ran CIT program will position your officers to not make things worst once they arrive at a crisis scene.

Why Crisis Intervention Training Is Crucial For Law Enforcement.

Police officers are often the first line of defense when it comes to responding to a crisis situation. These situations can range from domestic violence incidents to mental health crises and even potential active shooter situations. All of these situations have one thing in common. At least one person involved is experiencing crisis. In order to effectively respond to these types of situations, police officers must be properly trained in crisis intervention.

Crisis intervention training (CIT) is a specialized form of training that teaches police officers how to effectively and safely respond to crisis situations. This type of training is important for several reasons.

First and foremost, CIT training can help reduce the likelihood of violence during crisis situations. When officers are trained in de-escalation techniques, they are better equipped to handle situations that may otherwise turn violent. By using techniques such as active listening, empathy, and communication skills, officers can often diffuse a situation before it reaches a point where force is necessary.

Second, CIT training can help improve outcomes for individuals in crisis. In many cases, individuals in crisis may be suffering from mental health issues or substance abuse problems. Without proper training, officers may not be equipped to recognize the signs of these issues or may respond in a way that exacerbates the situation. CIT training provides officers with the knowledge and tools they need to identify and respond appropriately to individuals in crisis, which can help ensure that these individuals receive the support and care they need.

Finally, CIT training can help improve police-community relations. In recent years, there has been growing concern about the use of force by police officers, particularly in situations involving individuals in crisis. By providing officers with specialized training, departments can demonstrate their commitment to addressing these concerns and working to build trust with the communities they serve.

While CIT training is important, it is also important to recognize that it is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to improving police responses to crisis situations. Other important factors include adequate staffing levels, access to mental health resources, and community-based approaches to addressing underlying issues such as poverty and homelessness.

In conclusion, crisis intervention training for police is a critical component of effective law enforcement. By equipping officers with the knowledge and tools they need to respond safely and effectively to crisis situations, we can help improve outcomes for both individuals in crisis and police officers themselves.

Source Material:

1. "Crisis Intervention Teams: A Review of the Literature." National Institute of Justice, https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/crisis-intervention-teams-review-literature.

2. "Why Crisis Intervention Training is Important for Police Officers." National Alliance on Mental Illness, https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/June-2018/Why-Crisis-Intervention-Training-is-Important-for-P.

3. "Crisis Intervention Training: A Proactive Approach to Mental Health." Police Chief Magazine, https://www.policechiefmagazine.org/crisis-intervention-training-a-proactive-approach-to-mental-health/.

4. "Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Programs: A Best Practice Guide for Transforming Community Responses to Mental Health Crises." Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Crisis-Intervention-Team-Programs-A-Best-Practice-Guide-for-Transforming-Community-Responses-to-Mental-Health-Crises/SMA08-4350.