What does ensuring safety during a mental health crisis entail for officers?

Ensuring safety during a mental health crisis primarily involves preventing escalation of the situation. Officers must be trained to recognize the signs of mental health crises and utilize de-escalation techniques to calm the individual and the environment. This can involve active listening, speaking in a calm and reassuring manner, and identifying the needs of the individual. The goal is to keep everyone safe, including the individual in crisis, the officers, and bystanders, while also trying to resolve the situation without resorting to force or confrontation.

While aspects like obtaining consent, taking someone into custody, or documenting the incident are important in policing, they are not the primary focus in ensuring immediate safety during a mental health crisis. The emphasis during these situations is on de-escalation and support rather than forceful actions or legal procedures.