This course is designed to improve officers' understanding of the circumstances of people with mental illnesses and the most common reasons for police involvement with them. Common attitudes toward people with mental 'illnesses are discussed, and the session describes frequent police encounters with people who have mental illnesses.  Students will also gain a better understanding of mental illnesses and other behaviors often confused with mental illnesses. The course also covers the custodial alternatives that officers have when responding to people with mental illnesses. It clarifies when arrests can be made and how interviews should be conducted. It provides information on the civil commitment process and the roles that officers play in that process when they must determine whether someone meets the requirement for involuntary emergency mental evaluations, or when the court has mandated that a person be committed to a mental health facility. Information is also provided on the appropriate transfer protocols for people who are taken into police custody.

4-hrs Total (CEH: 4-hours Interpersonal Perspectives)