Joint Response Protocol
  1. Situation should be designated a police emergency with psychiatric backup OR a psychiatric emergency with police backup.
  2. This decision rests with the police, with input from PES. In any situation of doubt or uncertainty a joint call out is a police emergency, with police in charge.
  3. The police may decide at any time that the situation is purely a police emergency.
  4. In a police emergency all decisions reside with the police.
  5. In a police emergency, the police liaison clinical responder is a resource for the police.
  6. In a police emergency, the police liaison clinical responder is acting in a police capacity, and is subordinate to the police command.
  7. At the discretion of the police, the subject may be turned over to the clinical responder for psychiatric disposition. At this point, the situation is under the direction of the clinical responder.
  8. Proper Roles for participants in a police emergency.
To note: The Triage clinician and Clinical Staff Responder may be the same individual

Triage clinician in a police emergency:

  • Offer advice and consultation to police on scene
  • Gather useful information
     Interview the subject and others at police discretion
  • Negotiate paths forward at police discretion
  • Obtain Section 12 if needed
    Police officer
  • Maintain control of situation
  • Ensure public safety
  • Determine appropriateness of arrest vs Section 12
  • Use discretion in determining site of evaluation and means of transport to the site

    Police Clinical Staff Responder

  • Consult with police to ensure clarity of roles and decisions
  • Coordinate resources and decisions
    Introduce self, interview the subject and others at police discretion
  • Evaluate subject and negotiate path forward
  • Ensure safety of all concerned
© 2004 Advocates Inc. / Framingham Police Department