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73 Cards in this Set

  • Front
  • Back
What are some common behaviors of persons in crisis?
Some people in crisis may display behavioral characteristics including verbal anger, such
as cursing, threats and shouting; and physical signs, such as a flushed face, heavy, rapid
breathing, clenching and unclenching fists, pacing, pointing fingers, tightening the lips,
clenching the teeth, or sweating. Others may appear calm. The effect of the crisis and
stress may cause a diminished capability for thinking and decision making.
How should an officer approach a scene that could potentially be a crisis situation?
A low-profile arrival will maximize officer safety and minimize officer vulnerability. The officer should proceed as quickly and safely as possible, and if emergency equipment
(such as overhead lights and siren) is used, he or she should turn it off when approaching
the scene. The officer should not drive by or park directly in front of the call location
but should take note of double-parked vehicles and the number of people in the area. Officers should observe other signs of activity out of the ordinary and rely on their safety
instincts. If not already dispatched, they should request backup. After assessing the
situation, the officer should enter the scene safely and approach with due caution, look
for cover and concealment, and survey entrances, exits, and grounds. When entering a building to respond to a crisis call, officers should remember that
someone could be lying in wait to ambush or kill them. The
officer should position him- or herself in visual alignment with the door in case someone
enters.
What techniques may be used to stabalize a crisis situation?
An officer should give calm, direct instructions to guide others to complete what he or
she wants them to do. Quietly speaking may calm disputants by forcing them to focus
on the officer instead of the problem. It may also reduce the noise level if someone is
yelling.When the officer speaks softly, people will have to pay special attention to hear
what is being said.
How should an officer question a subject when encountering a crisis situation?
After establishing rapport with the subject by expressing genuine interest and concern,
the officer should ask one question at a time, using simple vocabulary and sentence
structure.The officer should ask open-ended questions that encourage conversation and explanation and avoid closed-ended questions, such as “How many pills did you take?”
Closed-ended questions focus only on obtaining an answer to a specific question. Asking
“Why?” should also be avoided because it may put a person on the defensive.The officer
should attempt to ask questions to clear up any vagueness or inconsistencies and center
on a specific part of the situation to gain a better understanding of the problem.
What intervention options are available for handling a person during a crisis situation?
Examples of
intervention options include relocating the person to a safe environment, taking the
person into custody if he or she has committed an arrestable offense, initiating an
involuntary treatment referral via the Baker orMarchman Acts if criteria exist, making a
referral for services, and arranging for or providing transportation as necessary.
What should an officer look for when deciding whether a person needs to be removed from a crisis situation?
The officer must determine if the person can remain independent
and care for him- or herself or if the person is a threat to him- or herself or others. In
some situations, the officer may have evidence that someone has been abused. Signs of
physical abuse may include cuts, scratches, burns, redness of the skin, or bruises. The
officer must decide if the person or persons involved must be removed from the situation
for their safety.
When are referrals required by Florida Statutes?
Sometimes, a referral is required by law. In certain cases of abuse, the law mandates the
removal of the endangered persons and custodial arrest of the abuser. Crisis situations
that involve domestic violence, child abuse, disabled adult or elder abuse, and suicide
risks all require a referral. Officers are legally required to contact the Department of
Children and Families (DCF) for cases involving abuse. Florida Statutes require that
law enforcement follow appropriate agency policy and procedures to assist DCF.
What type of help can referral services provide?
The referral agency will attempt to remove the cause of the crisis, reduce the extent of
the crisis, or give the person alternative assistance for future crises.
What type of information should be included in a report documenting a crisis situation?
Reports should be as detailed as possible and
include the victim’s and subject’s statements, actions, reactions, physical condition, and
appearance. Additional information should include witness statements, known
medications, weapons involved, and the disposition.
Define crisis.
A crisis may be a situation or period that is very uncertain, difficult, or painful,
especially a time when action must be taken to avoid complete disaster or breakdown.
Define disability according to the Americans with Disabilities Act.
According to the ADA, an individual with a disability is a person who has a physical or
mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, has a record of such
impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment.
What are some common types of disabilities?
The most common ADA disabilities that law enforcement officers encounter are mental
retardation, mental illness, and hearing, speech, mobility, and vision impairments.
What are the guidelines for responding to an individual with disabilities?
Officers should be sensitive and aware of people’s differences while demonstrating
respect for their limitations. Adults should be treated like adults and not subjected to
condescending or patronizing attitudes. An officer should treat a person with
a disability the same way that he or she treats others. An officer should speak directly
to the individual instead of through a third person, even if an interpreter is needed. The officer should never physically assist an
individual with a disability without talking to him or her first. Help should only be
offered if the need seems obvious. If assistance is requested, the officer should follow
the person’s instructions. In the event the person with a disability is arrested, the officer
must arrange care for the service animal. It is preferable to place the animal with a family
member, a friend, or even a kennel rather than calling animal control.
What steps can an officer take to ensure that the rights of individuals with disabilities are protected?
The officer should explain the Miranda rights in terms the subject can
understand, keeping in mind that the subject’s vocabulary and understanding of the
concept of “rights” might be limited. Whenever possible, an officer should ensure that someone who knows the individual,
such as a relative, friend, attorney, or agency staff member is present, and the officer
should videotape the interview.The officer should inform the State Attorney’s Office and
document the disability in the report regarding the interview.
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act?
The ADA is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against
people with disabilities and requires common places used by the public to provide an
equal opportunity for access.
Define impairment.
An
impairment is defined as any mental or physiological condition that impedes the
completion of daily tasks using traditional methods. Examples of impairments are
blindness, severe breathing limitation, deafness, inability to use arms or legs, paranoia,
or schizophrenia.
Define major life activities.
Major life activities include caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking,
seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working. Other major life activities
include sitting, standing, lifting, and mental and emotional processes such as thinking,
concentrating, and interacting with others.
Define substantial limitation.
According to the ADA, a substantial
limitation is a restriction of the manner, condition, or duration in which major life
activities are performed compared to nonimpaired people.
Define mental illness.
Mental illness is an impairment of the mental or emotional processes that exercise
conscious control of one’s actions or of the ability to perceive or understand reality,
which impairment substantially interferes with a person’s ability to meet the ordinary
demands of living, regardless of etiology.
What are some common symptoms of mental illness disorders?
The
symptoms an officer observes in an individual with major depression may be severe and
could have lasted for several weeks. The officer may notice such symptoms as profound feelings of sadness, uncontrollable crying, inability to concentrate, suicidal thoughts, or
problems sleeping and eating. An officer may observe the following symptoms in a person experiencing a
manic episode: loud, quick, uninterrupted speech, “racing” thoughts, fidgeting, and
hyperactivity. Such a person is easily distracted or may have an exaggerated sense of self,
powers, and abilities. An officer may observe the following symptoms in a person
experiencing an anxiety disorder: excessive nervousness, tension, apprehension, excessive
fear or anticipation of imminent danger, ritualistic behavior such as excessive hand
washing, or flashbacks. The hallmark of borderline personality disorder is instability. People with borderline
personality disorder often experience rapid and intense mood changes, typically
involving angry, erratic, and impulsive behavior, and quickly changing feelings toward
themselves and others.
What are some possible reasons a person may experience the symptoms associated with mental illness?
A person may exhibit symptoms generally associated with mental illness for many
reasons. Some medical conditions and the effects of certain substances mimic mental
illness symptoms. People with mental illness who stop taking their medications will also
be symptomatic. When observing a person who displays
symptoms commonly associated with mental illness, an officer should consider the
possibility that the situation may in fact be a medical emergency.
What rights does a person with mental illness have?
When working with individuals with mental illnesses, an officer should keep in mind
that, in addition to their civil rights, they also have certain rights provided by Florida
statute. According to Florida Statute §394.459, people with mental illnesses have the
right to be treated with dignity; to receive treatment in a timely manner; to receive the
least restrictive treatment available; to receive express and informed patient consent and
treatment; to receive the care and custody of their personal effects unless access to them
is deemed inappropriate; and to receive quality treatment.
What criteria must be satisfied in order to detain someone under the Baker Act?
A person may be taken to a receiving facility for involuntary examination if there is
reason to believe that he or she has a mental illness and because of his or her mental
illness the person:
1. has refused voluntary examination after conscientious explanation and disclosure
of the purpose of the examination; or
2. is unable to determine for him- or herself whether examination is necessary; and
3. without care or treatment, the person is likely to suffer from neglect or refuse to
care for him- or herself; such neglect or refusal poses a real and present threat of
substantial harm to his or her well-being; and it is not apparent that such harm
may be avoided through the help of willing family members or friends or the
provision of other services; or
4. there is a substantial likelihood that without care or treatment the person will
cause serious bodily harm to him- or herself or others in the near future, as
evidenced by recent behavior.
What steps should be taken by an officer after detaining someone under the Baker Act?
If the subject is arrested for
a misdemeanor, the officer should transport the individual to an appropriate receiving
facility. Misdemeanor criminal charges can also be handled by a Notice to Appear,
referral to the state attorney for issuance of an arrest warrant, or another action according
to department policy. When a person who satisfies Baker Act criteria is taken into custody for a felony offense, he or she should be transported to jail, unless emergency
medical treatment is necessary. At booking, the officer must notify the detention
supervisor of the arrestee’s mental illness and document the Baker Act criteria on the
arrest advisory. When transporting a person
for involuntary examination under the Baker Act, in addition to the normal incident
report, the officer must complete a form called the Report of Law Enforcement Officer
Initiating Involuntary Examination, commonly referred to as a BA-52. The officer is
required to cite specific criteria under Florida statutes that make the individual eligible
for involuntary examination.
Define mental retardation.
Mental retardation means significantly sub-average general intellectual functioning,
existing concurrently with deficits in adaptive behavior that manifests before the age
of 18 and can reasonably be expected to continue indefinitely.
What are the differences between mental illness and mental retardation?
Mental retardation is not considered to be amental illness.Mental retardation is a lifelong
condition and is addressed in Chapter 393, F.S. It is characterized by slow intellectual
development and requires developmental evaluation.Mental retardation cannot be cured
but the individual’s capabilities and independence may be enhanced.
What are some characteristics of a person with mental retardation?
There are four levels of mental retardation: mild, moderate, severe, and profound. The
majority of individuals with mental retardation are at the mild level of retardation and
may not be easily identifiable.
What facts should be considered when responding to persons with mental retardation?
They might need additional time to
respond to questions and should be asked easily understood questions and be given
clear, simple instructions. An officer should not ask questions about possible reasons
for someone’s behavior but should ask one question at a time and explain unfamiliar
terms such as “lawyer,” “right,” and “evidence.” Individuals with mental retardation may not be able to distinguish between abstract
and concrete thought. They might not understand civil rights, court proceedings, or
punishment. They might plead guilty to crimes they did not commit. An officer should
watch such interviewees for clues because they may be easily intimidated, eager to please,
and generally in agreement with authority.
What resources are available to assist an officer when responding to a person with mental retardation?
A valuable
resource is the Association of Retarded Citizens (ARC), which has offices located
throughout the state. The local ARC office may be located within the county or in a
neighboring county. ARC provides information and support to individuals and agencies
working with persons with mental retardation.
What is the Baker Act?
The Baker Act provides for emergency service and temporary detention for evaluation
and voluntary or involuntary short-term community inpatient treatment, if necessary.
Define delusion.
Delusion is a false belief
that is firmly held in spite of obvious proof or evidence to the contrary.
Define hallucination.
A hallucination is a sensory experience in which a person can see, hear, smell, taste,
or feel something that is not there.
Define personality disorder.
A personality disorder is a deeply ingrained, nonpsychotic, inflexible,
maladaptive pattern of relating, perceiving, and behaving, serious enough to cause
distress or impaired functioning.
Define voluntary examination.
A voluntary examination is a decision by an individual
to voluntarily seek psychiatric evaluation for symptoms that may be due to a mental
illness. The individual must be competent, able to make a decision, and at least 18
years of age.
What rights does a person with a communication disability have?
People with hearing and speech disabilities are entitled to the same rights
as others without such impairments. This includes the right to be heard, even if that
means bringing in an interpreter. People with communication disabilities may not be
excluded or segregated from services, denied services, or treated differently.
Define hearing impairment.
A hearing impairment refers to any degree of hearing loss.
Define hard of hearing.
A person who is hard of hearing may
suffer a hearing loss but not to the extent that he or she must rely on visual
communication. Hearing aids may not improve the person’s ability to understand words
but may just increase the ability to hear sound.
Define deaf.
Deafness is a hearing loss of such
severity that the individual must rely on visual tools such as writing, gestures, and
lip-reading to communicate.
What are some indications of a hearing impairment?
People with hearing impairments are generally very attentive to their surroundings.
Their eyes must see what their ears cannot hear.They rely on nonverbal communication,
usually watching every facial expression and movement. People with hearing
impairments often indicate that they cannot hear by gesturing. It is important to remember
that some persons with hearing impairments may have poor balance and/or slurred
speech and therefore may appear to be intoxicated.
How should an officer communicate with a person with a hearing impairment?
If an interpreter is being used, the officer should still speak directly to the individual with
the hearing impairment and not to the interpreter. If the officer has trouble
understanding the person’s speech, he or she should feel free to ask the person to repeat
what was said. If that does not work, the officer might ask the individual to use a pen
and paper. If using a pen and paper to communicate, the officer should make the
questions brief and clear and be sure to understand the response. All written
communication should be saved.
How should an officer alter his approach to giving Miranda rights when the subject has a hearing impairment?
TheMiranda Rights for the Deaf should be supplied in writing and conveyed by a signlanguage
interpreter to the suspect’s level of understanding. A person who is deaf and
has a limited understanding of the English language cannot knowingly waive his or her
rights unless the warning is given in his or her language.
Define mobility impairments according to the American with Disabilities Act.
The ADA defines mobility impairment as a functional limitation that affects one or
more of a person’s limbs. People with mobility impairment may have limited use of one
or more of their extremities for walking, grasping, or lifting objects. Their movement
from place to place may require reliance on a variety of artificial means and devices that
range from braces, canes, crutches, and/or walkers to regular and motorized wheelchairs.
Some individuals have limited hand stamina that restricts their hand control and
performance of certain movements.
What points should an officer remember when dealing with an individual who is mobility impaired?
When speaking to someone in a wheelchair, an officer should sit down to enable
the individual and the officer to be at the same eye level, if it is safe to do so. The officer
should not be afraid to use words such as “walking” or “running,” and he or she should
not assume that a person who has a mobility impairment needs assistance. Some
activities may appear to be difficult, but the person may not need or want help. As a
point of safety, an officer should wear disposable gloves when searching a wheelchair. If
the officer must transport a person with a mobility impairment, he or she must follow
agency policy and procedure.
Define blindness.
Blindness is a functional loss of vision. This definition applies both
to people who cannot see at all (are unable to distinguish light from dark) and people
who have some vision in one or both eyes. In fact, 80 to 90 percent of people who are
blind or visually impaired have some vision.
Define partial sight.
Partial sight is a visual impairment in
which, after correction, objects still look dim or out of focus. People with partial sight
may not see color well or at all or may lack peripheral vision, but they can still see and
even read with magnifiers or other aids.
What special considerations should be made by an officer when dealing with a victim, witness, or suspect of a crime with a visual impairment?
When people cannot see, they may be afraid. The officer
should reassure a crime victim that the assailant is no longer present. A person with a
visual impairment who is arrested must be given large-print versions of any written
documents that require the suspect’s signature or have the documents read to him or her.
A witness with a visual impairment may provide useful and reliable nonvisual observations. People deprived of one sense often develop their four other senses to make
up for the loss.Their nonvisual observations may assist with investigations.
What are some characteristics of autism?
An
individual with autism may experience certain communication challenges. The
individual may be nonverbal or have limited verbal skills, may not respond to commands
or questions from strangers, may repeat words or phrases, and may have difficulty
expressing his or her needs. An individual with autism may display behaviors such as throwing tantrums or showing
extreme distress for no apparent reason. They may flap their hands, rock themselves, or
exhibit attachment to objects, and they may laugh, giggle, or ignore someone’s presence.
They may also avoid eye contact. Autism may cause an individual to be extremely
sensitive to lights, sounds, and touch, but it may also cause them to appear insensitive
to pain. It may also appear that they have no real fear of danger.
How should an officer respond to a call involving an individual with autism?
When
responding to individuals with autism, officers should consider taking certain measures,
such as displaying calming body language and giving the individual extra personal space.
Given time and space, the person may de-escalate his or her behavior. Officers should
always exercise caution when restraining an individual with autism. They should be
aware that persons with autism may have seizure disorders and low muscle tone. If
restraining, officers should avoid positional asphyxia, keep the airway clear, and turn
the person on his or her side often.
Define autism.
Autism is a developmental disability that occurs in early childhood and continues
throughout adulthood, which may result in difficulties with learning, communication,
and social interaction.
Define lip-reading.
Lip-reading is the ability to understand what is being said by
watching the lips, facial expressions, and body language of the other speaker. Lip-reading
is the least effective form of visual communication.
Define sign language interpreter.
A qualified sign-language interpreter is a person who can
both receive and express information and interpret it effectively, accurately, and impartially.
Define speech impairment.
A speech impairment is a physiological condition that causes difficulty in producing
sound or understanding language, including reading and writing. Common examples
of speech impairments include stuttering and slurring of words.
What are some common characteristics of juvenile offenders?
As with all people, young people differ in
temperament and behavior.They may show a high degree of irresponsibility, little respect
for authority, and unpredictable behavior patterns. Juveniles may also be manipulative
and defiant when interacting with law enforcement. Suicide is a leading cause of death among juveniles. Officers dealing
with young people should be attentive to suicidal indicators such as depression, obsessive
talk about death, or intentional self-injury.
What are some attributes of an officer who is effective in dealing with juveniles?
A high
degree of self-control, patience, flexibility, and understanding is necessary to work
effectively with youth. The officer must be able to adapt to whatever situation arises
with a juvenile from truancy, rebellion, or dangerous actions. Establishing positive
working relationships with the youth of the area will help build community networks
that will benefit the overall law enforcement effort.
What actions should an officer take when responding to a juvenile offender?
An officer has a variety of options available when responding to juvenile offenders.
Depending on the situation, an officer may issue a cursory warning or release the youth
to parents or guardians with an explanation of the offense. It may be necessary to charge
and then release the individual to a custodian. A suitable referral such as counseling,
social services, or a juvenile crime prevention program could provide guidance for the
juvenile and family. Available community resources may include the Juvenile Division
of Local State Attorney’s Office, the Runaway Switchboard at 1-800-RUNAWAY, or
local counseling services. The Baker Act andMarchman Act are applicable to juveniles
as well as adults. The most desirable course of action is one that will be of greatest
benefit to the juvenile and the community both now and in the future.
What are some characteristics of the elderly population?
Elderly people tend to be vulnerable to crime and neglect and are reluctant to report
crimes committed against them. Conversely, they often live in fear of crime. They
commit only a small percentage of crimes—mostly misdemeanors. Generally, older
people have a positive attitude toward law enforcement. Many elderly
individuals receive assistance through federal or state programs, and more than one
quarter of them have income below or just above the poverty level.
What are the physiological changes that take place due to the aging process?
As people age, they may experience sensory impairment. Examples include changes in
their eyesight, including a loss of visual acuity and a deterioration of depth, distance, and
peripheral perceptions. In addition, hearing loss and the loss of the ability to tell where
a sound originates may occur. These changes may limit a person’s mobility, increase the
likelihood of accidents, or lead to fear and isolation. Because older people often experience an
increased sensitivity to weather, officers should be aware that they are more susceptible
to heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and hypothermia. Officers should be patient when
interviewing elderly people because it may take them longer than younger people to
explain what they saw or experienced.
How should an officer communicate with an elderly person?
Just because a person is elderly does not mean he
or she is simple minded.When communicating with an older person, the officer should
always treat him or her with dignity, respect, and patience. The officer should speak
directly to the person, establishing and maintaining eye contact, and should use a
conversational tone, speaking loudly only if necessary. In addition, the officer should
include the person in all discussions concerning his or her welfare and should adjust
communication based on any disabilities or other limitations.
What are some resources that could provide assistance in dealing with the elderly?
A variety of health and social services are available to assist older individuals and their
families. These services include home-delivered meals, medical care, emotional
support, financial management, and assistance with activities of daily living. An important resource is the Florida Elder Help Line at 1-800-96-ELDER. It provides
a wide range of information to help older citizens obtain specific local social services.
Another resource is the Florida Abuse Registry Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE. This
hotline is available 24-hours to take reports of suspected cases of abuse.
Define dementia.
Dementia is an organic, progressive mental disorder characterized by loss of
memory, impairment of judgment and abstract thinking, and changes in personality; the
frequently used term “senile” has a negative connotation and should be avoided. These
patients experience progressive declines in mental functions.
What are some suicide indicators?
The officer should be aware of the suicidal person’s behavior,
which may range from calm to violent.When a person talks about committing suicide,
attempts intentional self-injury, or sketches death-related drawings, it indicates his or her
desperate situation. Other clues that indicate the individual may be contemplating suicide include despair
over the loss of a loved one, depression caused by life stressors, a lack of interest in daily
activities, or hopelessness for the future. The person’s change in behavior may lead to
actions such as giving away personal belongings, lack of interest in eating, and
dependence on drugs or alcohol.
What are some techniques for responding to an individual at risk for suicide?
Upon arrival, the officer should assess the need for
requesting backup or a crisis intervention team and remove any onlookers or potentially
disruptive persons from the scene. The officer must immediately determine if the subject has any weapons for use in a
suicide attempt. Obviously, weapons intended for suicide could be used against officers
or members of the public. The officer should try to
establish contact and keep the person talking. The officer should carefully listen to what
the person says and how he or she says it. Support, empathy, and interest can be shown
by talking directly to the person without being judgmental. The officer should show
patience, self-assurance, and hope.
Define substance use.
Substance use is the use of a substance that alters physical or mental function: It can
be legal or illegal, therapeutic or recreational, and can be done by sniffing, snorting,
inhaling, swallowing, drinking, smoking, or injecting the substance or absorbing it
through the skin.
Define substance abuse.
Substance abuse is the continued use of a substance, for nonmedical reasons,
despite the knowledge that the substance causes adverse effects on an individual’s
social or occupational life and psychological or physical health.
Define substance dependence.
Substance dependence is the compulsive use of substances to the point where the
user has no effective choice but to continue use due to uncontrollable physical or
psychological cravings for the substance.
What are some behavorial characteristics of substance dependence?
The need to obtain and use
the substance by any means necessary becomes the constant focus of a person’s life.
Substance dependence may also lead an individual to increase the dosage of the
substance due to an increased tolerance. Dependence can lead to devastating effects for
the individual, his or her family, and society.
What are some factors contributing to substance dependence?
Some factors that can contribute to substance dependence include an addictive
personality and the personal history of the dependent person. People sometimes are
fearful of and wish to avoid life issues. Others, particularly the elderly, who may take
many prescribed medicines throughout the day, may accidentally abuse medicine. The
wide availability of drugs also contributes to dependence.
What are some symptoms of illness that resemble drug or alcohol use?
A person in diabetic shock may stagger
and appear drunk, and a diabetic coma may cause a person’s breath to smell sweet like
acetone. Epilepsy could cause a person to wander in a confused state and even become
violent for brief periods. High blood pressure sometimes causes people to become
temporarily irrational, and a head injury may cause confusion and belligerence. People
suffering from a stroke may be dizzy and confused, vomit, or lose consciousness. Similar
side effects are caused by carbon monoxide poisoning, which also causes general
weakness. Parkinson’s disease causes shaking, slurred speech, and the appearance of
intoxication. Wernicke Syndrome causes sufferers to appear confused and have faulty
muscular coordination or paralysis of the eye muscles. People with degenerative diseases
such as Alzheimer’s and dementia may stagger, act inappropriately, be forgetful, or
wander aimlessly. Psychiatric disorders often cause people to behave unpredictably and
experience sensory hallucinations, such as sounds, touches, or visions.
What criteria is required to utilize the Marchman Act?
TheMarchman Act (F.S. §397) provides substance abusers with access to emergency
services and temporary detention for evaluation and treatment. The abuser may be
voluntarily or involuntarily detained. The law enforcement officer should follow agency
procedures when taking the person into custody and provide the appropriate
documentation regarding the circumstances. An involuntary commitment for alcohol or substance abuse under the Marchman Act
may be used when the person is so impaired from substance abuse that he or she is
unable to make a rational decision regarding the need for examination, lacks the ability
to care for him- or herself, has threatened harm to him- or herself or others, or has
actually harmed him- or herself or others.
What treatment options are available to an officer when responding to a substance abuser?
Some jurisdictions offer treatment-based drug court programs as a choice for
individuals whose criminal justice involvement is the result of substance abuse. In
exchange for successfully completing its treatment program, the court may dismiss the
original drug charge, reduce or set aside a sentence, propose a lesser penalty, or offer a
combination of these. An ex parte court order may be obtained by the filing of a petition by one party, without
notice to any other party, stating that a person appears to meet the criteria for
involuntary examination. The substance abuser’s family members or other specified
persons may petition the court for the abuser to be involuntarily evaluated. If the judge
decides to issue an ex parte order, the individual is taken into custody and transported
to a treatment facility designated by the judge.
Define physical dependence.
Physical dependence is the condition in
which the presence of a drug or alcohol is required to maintain normal functioning of
the central nervous system.
What Florida Statute addresses the scheduling of substances?
The Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act, Chapter 893,
F.S., places all substances regulated under existing federal law into one of five schedules.
Schedule I is reserved for the most dangerous drugs and/or other substances that have
no medical use. Schedule V is the classification for the least dangerous drugs. A substance’s schedule is based on medicinal value, harmfulness, and the potential for
abuse and/or addiction.
Evidence of use, appearance of substance, methods of use, onset of effects, duration of effects, behavioral characteristics, physical signs and symptoms, withdrawal symptoms.
Need to review pg. 182-192.