Responding to Suicidal Subjects: Increase Your Options With a Full Toolbox

Law enforcement response to suicidal subjects continues to be one of the most difficult police calls. With conflicting legal standards, agencies must consider if they should respond, if they should use force, and if and when they should walk away. This class will detail a full range of options, including mental health programs, foundational concepts (like de-escalation), the use of less lethal weapons, and an understanding of the law and use of force, to build a full toolbox for addressing these calls. Using examples, participants will leave with the knowledge to help create policy and training programs to respond in an ethical, legally defensible, and repeatable manner. They will also know when it is appropriate to walk away, use force, or use a tactical team, as well as the consequences of those actions.