In Crisis? 
Behavioral Health Response:
314-469-6644 or 1-800-811-4760
Life Crisis Services:
314-647-HELP
Anywhere in the country, call:
1-800-273-TALK (8255) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
Anywhere in the country, text:
MHA to 741741
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Street Talk Newsletter
Beyond LGBT in the Workplace
by Senior Police Officer Gregory Abbink
When I came out to my department as transgender in 2014, I can only assume I had the same fears and apprehensions that so many, if not most, transgender individuals have when contemplating whether or not to “come out”. I wasn’t worried about whether or not my department would support me, because I knew without a doubt they would. I was more worried about how people would perceive me based upon what THEY knew about what it means to be transgender.
The reality is we may unconsciously respond to an individual with whom we are having an interaction based upon biases or preconceived ideas of what that person is like - stereotypes, if you will. Although it wasn’t always comfortable for me explaining details about my life, I looked at it as an opportunity to help inform and shape peoples’ ideas and experience with someone who is transgender. In fact, my department has encouraged me to develop training titled, “Interacting with Transgender Individuals” which I am honored to teach to each incoming cadet class. The topics covered in this course are:
Talking to PEOPLE
by Timothy D. Conroy, MLSLT, CPS
I must admit to you that I had some difficulty writing this piece. In my daily life, I speak to people from all walks of life, of all colors, races, creeds, and who come from some amazing places both physically and spiritually. I have prayed with Bishops and Imams, discussed Buddhism and Zen with monks and other leaders in those communities, celebrated Sabbat in a pure cotton robe and had the Torah read and explained to me by a Rabbi. Daily, I speak to those wearing suits/outfits that cost more than I make in a month and to those whose worn clothing is all they have in the world. In short, I speak to people.
To be perfectly honest - this is not always easy. Often, I have beliefs about certain groups, and often, certain groups might have beliefs about me and the groups I identify with, and these can make communication more difficult. But there is a magic key that almost always seems to make it work. I will share this with you on one condition: you must pass it on to others who struggle with how to talk to ______ people (fill in the blank with a group you find difficult to interact with). The key is: communication with an open and willing heart.
Remembering the Fallen, While Remembering to Take Care of Yourself
by Sgt. Gary Robertson, St. Louis County Police Department
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day. Celebrating the lives of the brothers and sisters who have made the supreme sacrifice has slowly turned into a week-long event, which is now known as National Police Week. This year Police Week will begin on Sunday, May 12 and end on Saturday, May 18. Some of the events during Police Week are the arrival of the Police Unity Tour cycling event, 31st Annual Candlelight Vigil, the somber playing of the Midnight Piper at the Memorial Wall, and the 38th Annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service which is held on the west front of the United States Capital.
At Your Service: iPad Project - "Like a Clinician in Your Car"
During the 23 years of BHR’s existence, there have been countless examples of officers encountering individuals exhibiting potential signs of a mental health issue. We have found that hospitalization or detainment is not always the best option in many of these situations. Therefore, officers have 24-hour access to BHR’s traditional mobile outreach. Although the model has been successful, it requires the officer to wait with the individual until the clinician arrives.
While BHR’s average arrival time of 45 to 60 minutes is without comparison, there is the need to balance that wait time with the efficient use of the officer’s time. In response to this need, BHR implemented the Virtual Mobile Crisis Intervention (VMCI) project in February 2017.
Minimize the Stress of Holiday Debt
Wouldn’t it be great if the holidays were nothing but “the most wonderful time of the year”? We probably do look forward to some parts of the holiday season…our favorite parts, anyway.
Busier-than-usual schedules, shopping, cooking, and traveling put a lot of extra stress on top of an already demanding work and family life. As a police officer, you’re well aware how shift-work can become even more of a time-management challenge this time of year. Also, the vicarious trauma you experience by witnessing tragedy or dysfunction can sometimes feel intense, perhaps even more so when holiday stress is breathing down your neck.
Psychopathy or Sociopathy?
With less than 30 days left to serve on 18 months for fraud, Donald, age 30, faked an illness and escaped from the prison hospital. He began his “new” life by passing himself off as the “field executive” of an international philanthropic foundation, enlisting several religious organizations in a fundraising campaign.
Ten months later, he was re-captured. During the trial for this offense, it became evident he experienced no sense of wrongdoing. He even stated that most people who donate to charity do so because they feel guilty about something, and they deserve to be bilked out of their money. He is now back in jail for fraud, bigamy, false pretenses, and escaping lawful custody.
Does Donald demonstrate traits of psychopathy or sociopathy?
When You See Bipolar
You respond to a dispatch for a domestic disturbance. Once you’re on the scene and talking to the people involved, you might discover that bipolar disorder is the underlying factor.
As you read this article, here are a few things to know:
- Except in cases where a person’s depression phase has become so bad that he/she attempts suicide, it’s more likely someone comes to your attention while they’re in the manic phase. Reasons can include:
Excited Delirium: Rare, But Scary
Excited Delirium – What We Know
When You See Schizophrenia
Mr. J. always seemed a bit odd, but he didn’t really bother anybody, so the neighbors didn’t pay much attention to him anymore. But late one night, a neighbor heard him yelling out in the street, and decided to call the police. When they arrived, Mr. J. was still outside, very agitated, and arguing with someone, but no one else was outside or in the house. Officers started talking with him, but his words didn’t make a lot of sense. He clearly was upset and scared, stating more than once that “people are trying to get me” and “they want me to do things I don’t want to do.” He described how “agents” kept commanding him to “take out the alarms and security systems” at the bank or “they will kill me.”
As a police officer, probably one of the biggest challenges related to mental illness is trying to talk with someone who is in a psychotic state. Psychosis can occur for several reasons, but schizophrenia is the illness most often associated with it. Even though it affects only 1% of the population, schizophrenia can be severe and debilitating if untreated or not well-managed medically.
Communicating During Crisis
During a psychiatric crisis, safety for everyone on-scene is paramount. Some situations unfold very quickly and demand immediate action. But many offer opportunities to gather information, build some rapport through communication and listening skills, and create a safe, positive outcome. Here are some strategies to keep in mind when encountering a person in a mental health crisis.
