Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

How should police approach a situation where a person is verbally threatening self-harm?

1. Use immediate force

2. Attempt negotiation first

3. Observe from a distance

4. Call for backup only

The correct answer is: Attempt negotiation first

When dealing with a situation where an individual is verbally threatening self-harm, the most appropriate initial response is to attempt negotiation first. This approach emphasizes communication and understanding rather than confrontation. Engaging the person in dialogue can help to de-escalate the situation, allowing the officer to assess the individual’s mental state, build rapport, and potentially uncover underlying issues contributing to their distress. This method is grounded in crisis intervention techniques designed to advocate for the safety and wellbeing of individuals in crisis. By employing active listening and demonstrating empathy, officers can provide the person with a sense of support, which may lead them to reconsider their thoughts of self-harm. Negotiation also allows officers to gather important information about the individual and the context of their threat, which is crucial for determining the next steps. Utilizing immediate force in such a scenario could escalate the situation, leading to potential harm to both the individual and the responding officers. Observing from a distance may not provide the necessary intervention needed to prevent self-harm. Finally, while calling for backup may eventually be necessary, it should not be the first response, as the priority is to engage with the individual and seek to defuse the immediate crisis.