Managing the mentally disordered

If you encounter or are dispatched to a disturbance by a mentally disordered person, consider the following guidelines:

		First at the scene
		Identifying the mentally disordered
		Choices to resolve the situation

First at the scene (Managing the mentally disordered)

1. Safety first. Consider force if the offender or others are in immediate danger.
2. Contain the situation if there is no immediate danger.
3. Introduce yourself and say you are there to help.
4. Take charge. Speak with a calm, firm, and caring tone.
5. Consider gently restraining the offender who does not understand the situation or who you are.

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Identifying the mentally disordered (Managing the mentally disordered)

Experience will help you identify the mentally disordered. Look for some of the following:

• disorganized appearance
• unkempt clothing
• talking to themselves
• behaviour suggesting they are unaware of their surroundings or disoriented

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Choices to resolve the situation (Managing the mentally disordered)

1. Choices
   • release
   • bring to the hospital
   • charge
2. Guidelines
   • Consider diverting the offender; there is little benefit from charging for minor crimes.
   • Take the offender displaying signs of serious mental illness to the hospital.
   • Charge the offender for serious, violent, or repetitive crimes.
3. The Crown Attorney can advise you whether to charge the offender.

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