ALBUQUERQUE POLICE DEPARTMENT
* PROCEDURAL ORDERS*
Effective: 09/30/04 Replaces: 06/14/99
POR04-17

2-13 RESPONSE TO THE MENTALLY ILL/SUSPECTED MENTALLY ILL
POLICY:
Department policy is to provide an effective response to situations involving subjects who are
suspected and/or verifiably mentally ill, in order to avoid unnecessary violence and potential civil
litigation, and to ensure that proper medical attention is provided.
This policy is to serve as a guideline to enable officers to identify behavior indicative of a mental
illness, and to utilize Department and other resources to bring incidents involving the mentally ill to
a desirable resolution.
DEFINITIONS:
2-13-1
[N/A]

MENTAL ILLNESS
Any of various conditions characterized by impairment of an individual’s
normal cognitive, emotional, or behavioral functioning, and caused by social,
psychological, biochemical, genetic, or other factors, such as infection or head
trauma.

2-13-2

GRAVE PASSIVE NEGLECT
Failure to provide for one's basic personal needs, medical needs, or for one's own
safety, to such an extent that it is likely to result in bodily harm.

2-13-3

CERTIFICATE OF EVALUATION
A document completed by a licensed physician or certified psychologist that certifies
a person, as a result of a mental disorder, presents a likelihood of harm to him/herself
or others and that immediate detention is necessary to prevent such harm.

2-13-4

CRISIS
Any situation in which a persons ability to cope is exceeded.

2-13-5

FIELD CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM
Composed of Field Services patrol officers that function within their patrol
teams as specialists in handling calls involving the mentally ill, and other calls of
crisis not related to mental illness.

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ALBUQUERQUE POLICE DEPARTMENT
* PROCEDURAL ORDERS*
Effective: 09/30/04 Replaces: 06/14/99
POR04-17

RULES AND PROCEDURES:
2-13-6

RECOGNIZING ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR
Officers should be able to recognize behavior that is indicative of mental illness and
that is potentially dangerous to self and/or others. Officers should not rule out other
causes of abnormal behavior such as reactions to drugs, alcohol or temporary
emotional disturbances. Officers should evaluate the following symptomatic
behavior (s) in total context of the situation when determining a subject's mental state
and the need for intervention absent of commission of a crime.
General signs/symptoms that may signal mental illness exists:
A.

Degree of Reactions - Mentally ill persons may show signs of strong and
unrelenting fear of persons, places, or things. For example, the fear of
people or crowds may make the person reclusive or aggressive without
apparent provocation.

B.

Appropriateness of Behavior - A person who acts extremely inappropriate for
a given situation may be mentally ill. For example, a motorist who vents
frustration in a traffic jam by physically attacking another motorist may be
mentally ill.

C.

Extreme Rigidity or Inflexibility - Mentally ill persons may be easily
frustrated in new or unforeseen circumstances and may exhibit inappropriate
or aggressive behavior.

D.

Other Specific Behaviors 1.
2.

Abnormal memory loss such as name, address or phone number;
Delusions of:
a.
b.

3.
4.
5.

Grandeur; e.g., "I am Christ"
Paranoia; e.g., "Everyone is out to get me"

Hallucinations of any of the five senses; e.g. hearing voices, feeling
one's skin crawl
Belief that the person is suffering from extraordinary physical
illnesses that are not possible such as their heart has stopped beating
Extreme fright or depression

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ALBUQUERQUE POLICE DEPARTMENT
* PROCEDURAL ORDERS*
Effective: 09/30/04 Replaces: 06/14/99
POR04-17

2-13-7

DETERMINING DANGER
Not all mentally ill persons are dangerous. Some mentally ill persons may be
dangerous only under certain circumstances. Specific indicators may exist to assist
the officer in determining if an apparent mentally ill person represents an immediate
or potential danger to him/herself, officers, or others. These indicators include but
are not limited to the following:
A.

The availability of weapons to the subject

B.

Substantiated statements (direct threats or subtle innuendo) by the person that
he/she is prepared to commit a violent or dangerous act, or the actual
commitment of a violent or dangerous act.

C.

Personal history, known or provided, that reflects prior violence under similar
circumstances.

D.

Failure to commit a violent or dangerous act prior to the arrival of the officer
does not guarantee that such an act will not occur.

E.

The lack of physical control the subject demonstrates over his/her emotions
of rage, anger, fright and agitation, characterized by:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

F.

2-13-8

Inability to sit still
Inability to communicate effectively, rambling thoughts and speech
Wide eyes
Clutching one's self or objects to maintain control
Begging to be left alone
Frantic assurances that he/she is alright

The volatility of the environment is a relevant factor officers must evaluate.
Agitators that may affect the person or a particularly combustible
environment that may incite violence should be taken into account.

HANDLING THE MENTALLY ILL/SUSPECTED MENTALLY ILL
If the officer determines that a subject may be mentally ill, the officer will
attempt to respond in the following manner:

[6]

A.

Ensure that backup officers (10-82) are present before taking any action.

[N/A]

B.

If possible, try to obtain any information on the subject from family or
friends.

[7]

C.

Calm the situation
1.

Cease emergency lights and sirens
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ALBUQUERQUE POLICE DEPARTMENT
* PROCEDURAL ORDERS*
Effective: 09/30/04 Replaces: 06/14/99
POR04-17

2-13-8 C.
cont’d
2.
3.
4.
5.
D.

Disperse crowds
Assume a quiet, non-threatening manner when approaching the
subject.
Avoid physical contact, if possible, while assessing the situation
Move slowly, being careful not to excite the subject

Communicating with the subject:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Provide reassurance that the police are there to help and that
appropriate care will be provided.
Attempt to find out what is bothering the subject
While relating to the subject's concerns, allow subject to ventilate
their feelings.
Do not threaten the subject with arrest or physical harm.
Avoid topics, which may agitate the subject and guide the
conversation towards topics that seem to ease the situation.
Always be truthful; if the subject perceives deception, he/she may
withdraw and further complicate the situation.

2-13-9

PROCEDURES FOR EMERGENCY MENTAL HEALTH EVALUATION

[7]

A.

In accordance with NMSA 43-1-10, an officer may detain a person for an
emergency evaluation and care at a hospital, mental health facility, or an
evaluation facility in the absence of a valid court order only if:
1.
2.
3.

4.
5.

B.

The person is otherwise subject to arrest.
The officer has reasonable grounds to be believe the person has just
attempted suicide.
The officer, based on personal observation and investigation, has
reasonable grounds to believe the person, as a result of a mental
disorder, presents a serious threat of harming him/herself or others
and immediate detention is necessary to prevent such harm.
Immediately upon arrival at the evaluation facility, the officer shall be
interviewed by the admitting physician.
A licensed physician or a certified psychologist has certified that the
person, as a result of a mental disorder, presents a likelihood to
commit serious harm to him/herself or others, and that immediate
detention is necessary. Such certification shall constitute authority
for the officer to transport the subject.

If a subject meets the criteria for an emergency mental evaluation, the officer
will arrange transportation to a facility. If possible, the officer will, ascertain
the subject’s health care provider information and transport the subject to the
appropriate facility. Area facilities include:
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ALBUQUERQUE POLICE DEPARTMENT
* PROCEDURAL ORDERS*
Effective: 09/30/04 Replaces: 06/14/99
POR04-17

2-13-9 B.
cont’d
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
C.

University of New Mexico Mental Health - 2600 Marble Ave. NE
Presbyterian Hospital - 1100 Central Ave. SE
Pres-Kaseman Hospital - 8300 Constitution Ave NE
Albuq. Regional Medical Center - 601 Dr. Martin Luther King, JR
Drive NE
Northeast Heights Medical Center - 4701 Montgomery Blvd. NE
West Mesa Medical Center - 10501 Golf Course Rd. NW
Lovelace Hospital - 5400 Gibson Blvd. SE
Veterans Hospital - 1501 San Pedro SE
Memorial Hospital – 806 Central Ave. SE

When a subject is taken to a mental health facility the officer will:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Ensure that the mental health staff have an accurate account of the
incident surrounding the protective custody.
If the subject is taken to UNMMH, complete and sign an application
for emergency hospitalization.
If criminal charges are pending, note that information on the form and
ensure the mental health staff are aware of this fact.
Ensure all appropriate booking documents are left at MDC pending
release of the subject from the mental health facility.

[6]

D.

If a subject is identified as dangerous to him/herself or others, the officer
WILL guard the subject until the evaluation takes place, at which time the
mental health facility will assume responsibility for the subject.

[7]

E.

If a subject is physically injured or has a pre-existing medical condition
requiring attention, physical medical care needs will take priority. The
subject will be transported to a hospital emergency room. The hospital will
then assume responsibility for any mental health care intervention.

F.

Whenever a subject is transported to a mental health facility, this includes
but is not limited to voluntary, involuntary, Certificates of Evaluation,
grave passive neglect, is in crisis, or when the subject is under arrest but
is diverted to a mental health facility, an Offense/Incident Report will be
initiated, and a copy will be forwarded to the CIT Area Command
Coordinator.

[N/A]

[7]

The Area Command Coordinator will then forward the report to the
CIT Unit in SID.
G.

Officers who are provided with a Certificate of Evaluation concerning a
subject, will attempt to verify the authenticity of the certificate by directly
talking to the source in person or by calling the facility or doctor who issued
the certificate.
2-13

ALBUQUERQUE POLICE DEPARTMENT
* PROCEDURAL ORDERS*
Effective: 09/30/04 Replaces: 06/14/99
POR04-17

2-13-9
cont’d

2-13-10
[7]

H.

When appropriate, officers will utilize the Crisis Intervention Team to assist
in handling subjects requiring special consideration. See 2-13-12 of this
section.

I.

When an officer has knowledge of a prisoner who has some kind of
mental illness, they will notify the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC)
medic who can then notify Psychological Service Unit (PSU). The Officer
will forward a copy of the Offense/Incident report to the CIT Area
Command Coordinator who will then forward the report to the CIT Unit
in SID.

J.

Nothing in this section will preclude an officer from immediately
forwarding a copy of an Offense/Incident report to the CIT unit in SID
when they feel it is appropriate

NON EMERGENCY REFERRAL TO CIT DETECTIVES FOR FOLLOW UP
A.

If an officer determines that a person does not meet the criteria for an
emergency mental health evaluation as outlined in SOP 2-13-9, but
exhibits behavior that is indicative of mental illness or instability, the
officer will make a referral to the Crisis Intervention Team Unit in SID
for the appropriate assessment and follow up
1.

2.

3.

B.

Document specific observation of behavior and why the officer is
concerned or believes the subject is dangerous in either an
Offense/Incident Report or a field contact card.
Forward the documentation to the Area Command CIT
coordinator who will then forward the documentation to the CIT
Unit in SID.
Nothing in this section will preclude an officer from immediately
forwarding a copy of a report when they feel it is appropriate.

Examples of behavior that might cause concern
1.
2.
3.
4.

Repeated and seemingly unnecessary calls to police.
Repeated contact with police for petty incidents (i.e., disorderly,
neighbor troubles).
Unusual or inappropriate behavior in public that is not dangerous
at that time.
Anything listed in subsections 2-13-4 and 2-13-6.

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ALBUQUERQUE POLICE DEPARTMENT
* PROCEDURAL ORDERS*
Effective: 09/30/04 Replaces: 06/14/99
POR04-17

2-13-11
[7]

2-13-12
[N/A]

INTOXICATED SUBJECTS IN NEED OF MENTAL HEALTH EVALUATION
A.

If a subject is intoxicated and in need of an evaluation, he/she may be
transported to a medical emergency room pending the evaluation. Officers
can also take the subject into protective custody and transport the subject to
BCDC for detoxification. The Psychiatric Services Unit (PSU) at BCDC will
be notified of the facts surrounding the protective custody.

B.

Officers may direct MDC personnel to contact APD Communications after
the subject becomes sober to arrange for transportation to a mental health
care facility. The officer will notify the facility of the subject and the facts of
the incident prior to transport.

DEPLOYMENT OF THE FIELD CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM
The Crisis Intervention Team is composed of Field Services patrol officers that
function within their patrol teams as specialists in handling calls involving the
mentally ill, and other calls of crisis not related to mental illness.
A.

When available, Field Crisis Intervention Team officers will respond as
primary officers to calls that meet the following criteria:
1.
2.
3.
4.

2-13-13
[7]

Any incident when a mental illness precipitated a response by APD
Any incident when a subject poses a risk to themselves or others, e.g.,
threatened or attempted suicide
Service of Certificates of Evaluation
Incidents involving grave passive neglect

B.

Field CIT Officers will draw from training and experience to ensure an
appropriate intervention takes place during and following a crisis response.

C.

When not acting in a Field CIT capacity, team members will continue to
perform normal duty activities.

CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A.

CIT Unit Sergeant is:
1.

2.
3.

The Crisis Negotiations Team Supervisor, within the Metro Section of
the Special Investigations Division, and will oversee the Crisis
Intervention Team Unit.
Responsible for recruitment and training of CIT personnel.
Responsible for consultation and liaison between CIT and mental
health care providers.

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ALBUQUERQUE POLICE DEPARTMENT
* PROCEDURAL ORDERS*
Effective: 09/30/04 Replaces: 06/14/99
POR04-17

2-13-13 A.
cont’d
4.

5.
B.

To ensure that information from Offense/Incident reports from CIT
calls is entered into a database, and that necessary information about
high-risk subjects are appropriately disseminated to Field Services
personnel through the Intelligence Unit.
A liaison between the CIT Area Command Coordinator(s).

CIT Area Command Coordinator
1.
2.

3.

4.
5.

A Sergeant from each Area Command
Will collect and enter all Crisis Intervention Team monthly
report logs from their area command into the J drive and
forward a collated list to the CIT Coordinator.
Will review and screen Offense/Incident reports from their area
command and add notations to help determine follow up by the
Crisis Intervention Team Unit detectives.
Help recruit and screen new CIT personnel.
Help identify any deficiency in CIT personnel and training.

C.

Sector Sergeant is responsible for the direct supervision of any CIT personnel
assigned to the sector.

D.

Beat Officers may request that a CIT Officer be dispatched to the scene of a
call that meets the criteria outlined in section 2-13-12.

E.

Field CIT Officers will:
1.
Be required to attend and be certified in the 40-hour Crisis
Intervention Team training. The officer will be required to
demonstrate a high level of proficiency in all areas of instruction
they obtained during the 40-hour block of Crisis Intervention
Team training; failure to do so could result in completion of the
course but not certification as a Crisis Intervention officer.
2.
Remain in their designated beat assignment and will answer directly
to their sector supervisor.
3.
Respond, when available, as primary to calls in which mental illness
is believed to be a factor.
4.
Respond, when available, as primary to calls when a subject is in a
crisis and represents a danger to him/herself or others.
5.
Be responsible for the resolution of the call including any appropriate
documentation.
6.
Volunteer to respond to calls for service that meet the criteria outlined
in 2-13-12, if such a call is brought to their attention.
7.
Work in cooperation with mental health care providers in an effort to
ensure that the most appropriate intervention response occurs.

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ALBUQUERQUE POLICE DEPARTMENT
* PROCEDURAL ORDERS*
Effective: 09/30/04 Replaces: 06/14/99
POR04-17

2-13-13 E.
cont’d
8

9.
10.

2-13-14
[6]

Be crossed-dispatched to other sectors if needed. Only field
supervisors may approve the cross-dispatching of CIT Officers to
other area commands.
Ensure a copy of the Offense/Incident Report initiated by him/her is
forwarded to the CIT Coordinator as soon as possible.
Document all CIT calls for service on the "Crisis Intervention Team
Monthly Report Log" and forward the log to the CIT Coordinator no
later than the 5th of the following month.

DEPLOYMENT OF THE CRISIS NEGOTIATIONS TEAM
When necessary to resolve certain critical incidents, a trained Crisis Negotiations
Team will be used in conjunction with the SWAT Team. These Critical incidents
include:

2-13-15
[NA]

A.

Hostage/barricaded subjects

B.

High-risk suicidal subjects

C.

All incidents involving the execution of high-risk search and/or arrest
warrants

CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM ROLE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE DIVERSION
The Crisis Intervention Team will promote diversion of individuals from the
Criminal Justice System through the following measures:
A.

When appropriate, officers will seek professional mental health intervention
in lieu of criminal charges.

B.

The Crisis Intervention Team will network with mental health care providers
within the community to deter future events that may lead to an individual
being introduced to the Criminal Justice System.
1.
2.
3.

Frequent meetings are to be conducted with mental health care
administrators to insure familiarization with diversionary goals.
CIT officers will be available for orientations and training of mental
health staff members.
Team members will provide testimony in civil commitment
proceeding to promote mental health resolution versus criminal
sanction.

2-13

ALBUQUERQUE POLICE DEPARTMENT
* PROCEDURAL ORDERS*
Effective: 09/30/04 Replaces: 06/14/99
POR04-17

2-13-15
cont’d

2-13-16
[N/A]

C.

CIT officers will coordinate with the Pre-Trial Services diversionary
component within the court system to address the needs of he mentally ill
who have been booked into the detention facility.

JAIL DIVERSION PROGRAM
A.

Individuals who have a mental illness may have run-ins with law
enforcement for misdemeanor and/or petty misdemeanor crimes. These
subjects may be better served by:
1. Issuance of a citation, or
2. Summons
3. May be transported to their mental health provider.

B.

When sending a copy of the Offense Incident Report to Court Services,
attach a note stating the subject may be a candidate for Mental Health
Court.

2-13