What should officers do if they encounter emotionally disturbed individuals during a call?

Officers encountering emotionally disturbed individuals should activate crisis intervention protocols. These protocols are designed to guide law enforcement personnel in safely interacting with individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. By following these established procedures, officers can assess the situation more effectively and utilize de-escalation techniques, ensuring the safety of both the individual and the officers involved.

Crisis intervention protocols often include involving mental health professionals or crisis teams who can provide additional support, resources, and appropriate responses tailored to the specific needs of the individual. This approach helps to minimize the potential for escalation and allows officers to address the situation with sensitivity and care.

The other options may not provide the necessary support or response required in these sensitive situations. For example, calling a psychologist for guidance is usually impractical as it limits the officer's ability to act immediately during a crisis. Ignoring the individual altogether could lead to further escalation or harm. Simply requesting backup without taking action might delay the response needed to manage the situation effectively. Overall, activating crisis intervention protocols reflects a proactive and informed approach to handling encounters with emotionally disturbed individuals.