Mental Health Crisis Response
How officers respond to a person in a mental health crisis.
Principles
- Treat the situation as a medical issue first, a criminal one second.
- Slow down, create distance and lower noise and lights where possible.
- Use calm, short and respectful speech.
- Call medical or crisis-trained staff where available.
Force
Use the lowest level of force that works. Force is not justified because a person does not understand or cannot follow an order. Follow the Use of Force principles.
After contact
Where the person is not charged, officers may arrange medical care, a mental health evaluation under the Involuntary Commitment Authority, or release to a responsible person. Document the person's condition in the report.