Crisis Intervention and De-escalation

In the wake of the Robert Dziekanski tragedy in 2007, the Braidwood Commission made a number of recommendations that emphasized the importance of police being able to effectively intervene in and de-escalate crisis situations.

Originally designed for police officers, the Crisis Intervention and De-escalation course will also provide security professionals with crisis intervention and de-escalation (CID) techniques to effectively de-escalate crisis situations, including incidents involving intervention in a mental health crisis. The course will introduce a four-phase CID model and a number of accompanying techniques designed to accomplish this goal.

The content for this course was developed by the BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General (Police Services Division) in consultation with the Braidwood Recommendation Implementation Committee and a working group of police and non-police subject matter experts.

This course has been developed specifically for officers in British Columbia and is consistent with the BC Provincial Policing Standards.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course you will be able to:

• Describe the Braidwood Report and the BC Provincial Policing Standards
• Explain the importance of CID techniques
• Explain the BC Provincial Policing Standard for Crisis Intervention and De-escalation Training
• Explain assessing and responding to risk in crisis situations
• Describe the relationship between conflict and crisis
• Identify Emotionally Disturbed Persons (EDPs)
• Explain constructive and destructive approaches to crisis intervention and de-escalation
• Explain the importance of understanding mental health disorders
• Define mental health and mental health disorders
• Describe major mental health disorders and observed behaviours
• Explain the differences between dementia and delirium
• Explain the purpose of the BC Mental Health Act
• Define key terms and mental health related forms
• Explain the authorities according to sections of the MHA pertinent to police
• Explain police officer roles and responsibilities in crisis situations
• Explain police policy, procedures and documentation in crisis situations
• Explain medical considerations in crisis situations
• Explain the importance of communication between the apprehending officer and hospital staff
• Explain and apply the CID model
• Apply CID techniques