PIIMIC

Police Intervention - Control Lines

If the person is misleading, manipulative, or totally obnoxious: "Look, we need your cooperation. I need you to work with me on this. Tell us the truth. It's the only way we can help you."

If subject continues to make trouble:

• "Some things are negotiable. This behaviour is not negotiable. I am asking you to stop it right now. If you don't, you will have to be arrested."
• "You need a doctor to check out your medical problems and get them under control. Would you prefer the doctor at the lockup, or the doctor at the hospital?"
• "You can come easily or you can put up a struggle but either way I'm  taking you to hospital. It's a much smarter decision for you to settle down and walk to my police car than for me to drag you there. It's your choice."

If subject is arguing and resisting, don't get into a screaming match. Be calm and speak slowly: "I will give you a choice. You can come to hospital voluntarily which will show good judgement on your part and will help you get through the situation more easily. Or you can come with a struggle which you are not going to enjoy, but you are coming."

If situation remains uncontrolled and escalating, it may be necessary to back off and call for support.

Len and Rich Robertson (father and son-Patient) suggestions:

• If the police had an e-based record of patients names, illnesses and medication it would help them to know what to expect and deal with the person more easily.
• It works better to have a male cop talk to a female patient and vice versa, it's not so confrontational. If two officers attend, one should talk    to the immediate family (gathering collateral info) while the other is talking to the subject.
•  If subject is calm, willing to go to hospital, and there is good rapport,consider riding in the back of the police car vs ambulance.