Options for families and friends of persons with mental illness; Including calling 911 20 minute presentation, 5 minute Q/A Scottsdale Police Department CIT Officer Mark Stephens and PCIS Natalie Summit
Family and Friends are Important Have a Crisis Plan in place at home, in the car, or at work Determine if the FM is voluntary or not voluntary for assistance and evaluation. Ask for assistance from the FM Act on the plan
Have a crisis plan; at home - work, in the car When things are calm, have a conversation with your FM prior to a crisis when information is more readily accepted and understood. “Everyone has bad days, we want to help you be successful on difficult days. Let’s talk about how we can support you.” The Circumstances and the timing are critical. Develop special cues to demonstrate that your “perception” is that things are escalating and the family needs to take action.
If Voluntary, families may… Call Crisis Response Network to request a phone consult or a team response. 602-222-9444 Accompany the family member to the local Hospital Emergency room. Most hospitals have an agreement with an organization that provides mental health assessments Transport the family member to Community Bridges Access Point at 358 E. Javelina Ave, Suite 101, Mesa; call 1-877-931-9142 or CB Access Point on the westside at …
Note to Families and Friends If your FM or friend is not voluntary or unable to assist you in the crisis plan - Exercise your right to ask for help and provide information. UPC – ER Petition RRC - ER petition LaFrontera EMPACT – PAD petition
If NOT Voluntary, families may … If the FM is a Danger to Self (DTS) or Danger to Other (DTO). Fill out mental health petition paperwork. Go to the Urgent Psychiatric Care Center (UPC) at 903 N 2nd St. Phoenix or 602-416-7600 or Recovery Innovations Response Center (RRC) at 11361 N 99th Ave #401 Peoria or 602-650-1212 Call La Frontera EMPACT 480-784-1514 X1158 and ask to speak with the Non Emergent Team &/or leave a message.
OR
Call 911 or Not is the question Yes?
911 - NO The crisis has naturally subsided. Take a “Time Out” to cool off. Implement other de-escalating options on the crisis plan that you have already discussed and agreed upon. You and FM and friend agree to contact a crisis service or go to the hospital or Community Bridges voluntarily
Police Response
Not emergency 911 calls https://www.youtube.com
911 - YES You decide: Tell the FM, “I need help, I am not able to help you. I am going to call 911 for help. Please help me use the crisis plan we have discussed to prepare for this moment.” OR Simply remove yourself from the situation and Dial 911. Remain calm, breath~~~ seriously! Clearly state your name, your FM name and location Provide accurate information of what your emergency is Answer all questions asked by a dispatcher Ask if a CIT Officer is available to respond Follow directions
When Police Respond… They may (depending on the situation): Resolve the crisis, no arrest and leave. If voluntary, offer to transport FM to UPC, Community Bridges Access Point, or call a crisis team out. No arrest. Witness dangerous behavior and determine that it is best to transport FM to UPC or RRC and fill out petition. No arrest. Investigate the crisis situation, and determine that a crime has occurred.
Police may arrive and Resolve the crisis, no arrest and police leave. Mark can briefly describe how this was done this weekend. This happens a lot.
Police may arrive and If voluntary, offer to transport FM to UPC, Community Bridges Access Point, or call a crisis team out. No arrest. Mark
Police may arrive and Witness dangerous behavior and determine that it is best to transport FM to UPC and fill out petition. No arrest. Families can help by filing out the petition or at least offering to be a witness. Even if the officer fills out a petition, It can be replaced with your petition. Take the cop out of the picture.
A crime has occurred Now what?
Police may arrive and Investigate the crisis situation, and determine that a crime has occurred. If the FM is present on scene, and transported to jail… Families options became limited, 3 options: Do nothing: Let natural consequences take place. At City jail: Contact Detention staff to share your concerns. Contact Crisis for evaluation in jail Exercise your victim’s rights and talk with the judge at first hearing. At MCSO jail: Contact Jail Liaison Public phone line 602-876-7110 Leave a message with inmates name, dob, and booking number and your contact number. The message will be sent to all jail mental health supervisors.
Police may arrive and Investigate the crisis situation, and determine that a crime has occurred. If the FM is NOT present on scene, Police may submit paperwork for the prosecutor to review or follow up later.
Key concepts to remember Complete and agree on a crisis plan with your FM or friend. Ask for cooperation from FM to solve problem without calling 911. Assess for voluntary or involuntary cooperation from FM. Follow through with directions on the crisis plan. If Police respond and there is an arrest; Explore your options - if you are a victim, you may contact victim services or you may contact the detention staff to express your concerns about your FM.
Remember… You may decide to NOT intervene. If you need to call 911 because you feel unsafe or can not manage the situation, Call 911. This is not a failure on your part.
Scottsdale Police Department Crisis Intervention Trained (CIT) Officer Mark Stephens 480-312-5859 Police Crisis Intervention Specialist (PCIS) Natalie Summit 480-312-2976 nats@scottsdaleaz.gov