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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Resources for Law Enforcement
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Street Talk Newsletter
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.
Resources
Resources for Law Enforcement and General Public - Behavioral Health Response (BHR) – 24/7 mental health crisis line for any type of mental health question or concern, to request a referral, or to receive telephonic assistance during a crisis. Mobile Outreach Team (MOT) available in certain circumstances. Law enforcement can use BHR to connect with their Community Mental Health Liaison. 314-469-6644
- Life Crisis Services at Provident – 24/7 mental health crisis line, including referrals to community resources; several services, including support groups and after-care follow-up are specifically related to suicide. Also provides counseling services. 314-647-4357
- Mental Health America of Eastern MO (MHA) offers education courses, support groups, and money management services for adults with mental illness. Also provides referrals to community resources, and an online support group directory for groups of all types. 314-773-1399
- NAMI St. Louis offers education courses, support groups, warm line, and referrals for family and friends of persons with mental illness. 314-962-4670
Just for Law Enforcement
- Community Mental Health Liaison (CMHL) – The CMHL program was created specifically to partner with law enforcement and specialty courts to improve access to behavioral health resources for those who came to the attention of law enforcement. CMHLs assist individuals/families as a result of an encounter with/request from responding officers. Liaisons are assigned to specific geographic areas; if you do not know how to reach your Liaison, call BHR to make contact.
Time to Nominate Officer for McAtee Award
Spring 2018
Join us May 18 at the Missouri Athletic Club for the 32nd McAtee Police Recognition Luncheon, as we honor officers whose compassion and dedication makes a significant difference in the life of someone with mental illness.
- Nominations are due by April 27
- RSVP required; RSVP due by May 11
- Awards presented on Friday, May 18, Missouri Athletic Club – Downtown
If you are ready to submit a nomination, click here to review the criteria and access the nomination form. Nominees do not have to be a CIT officer.
If you are ready to reserve seats for the awards luncheon, click here to reserve seating for all guests in your group. Awardees attend at no-charge, but should be included on your guest list.
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$25 for police officers, departments and family members
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$40 for general public
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Awardees attend as guest of MHA
Questions??? Contact LaDonna Haley at 314-773-1399 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Just for First Responders, Family and Kids
As we worked with individuals and families who were closely impacted by these events, we realized how grossly under-served this population was. We foresaw that those who didn’t seek help during this time would manifest distress in different ways in the future. We wanted to create therapeutic group sessions that would impact a greater number of family members and give them tools to better heal, as well as enhance the individual, on-one-one sessions they were receiving.
