What type of force can officers use during a mental health crisis?

Officers encountering a mental health crisis are trained to utilize reasonable force to ensure the safety of all individuals involved, including the person in crisis, the officers, and bystanders. Reasonable force is defined as that which is proportional to the threat posed by the situation. In many instances, individuals experiencing a mental health crisis may pose a risk to themselves or others, which may necessitate a response.

The use of reasonable force enables officers to stabilize the situation effectively while minimizing the risk of escalation and harm. This approach emphasizes a balance between the need for safety and the recognition of the individual’s mental state.

While verbal commands can be a critical tool in such scenarios, exclusively relying on them may not always be adequate if the situation escalates or if the individual does not respond to them. On the other hand, attempting to completely avoid force could compromise safety for both the officer and the individual in crisis, especially if immediate intervention is needed to prevent harm. Therefore, training emphasizes the importance of using reasonable force as the appropriate response during these sensitive encounters.