Finding Common Ground

The need to assess the mental status and intentions of individuals has become a routine requirement of law enforcement officers nationwide. More often than not, they are the first responders in situations involving a person experiencing a mental health crisis. As a key component of situational awareness, officers need to quickly recognize when a person is experiencing a mental health crisis, and have the verbal skills necessary to ensure both officer safety and the safety of the person in crisis. This groundbreaking book provides information on the various mental health disorders, treatment options, violence risk assessment, gun violence, innovative verbal de-escalation skills, and situational awareness. It includes self-help information on stress management, officer resiliency, critical incident recovery, and emotional survival. Richard Crino co-designed Rhode Island’s first crisis intervention program for law enforcement officers, known as CRT. He also pioneered and designed unique officer wellness programming that includes specialized training for first responders in the delivery of peer-to-peer support services.