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Newport News Police Department
NOTE: The officer does not have to personally deliver the detainee's copy. This keeps the officer
from having to enter a secure mental health area for that purpose.
H. Investigations Involving Persons Suspected to Be Mentally Ill [41.2.7(c)]
1. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) entitles people with mental illness or disabilities the same
services and protections provided to anyone else. This may involve modification in routine practices
and procedures, requiring extra time and/or sensitivity. This may include:
a. Having a guardian or support person present to assist communications with the individual.
b. Contacting the Hampton/Newport News office of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)
for specific guidelines on how to proceed with a person who is suspected of having mental illness,
autism, or intellectual disability.
2. Personnel will note any signs of mental illness exhibited by victims and suspects during any field
interviews, questioning, or interrogations, and make mention of this when noting the person’s
demeanor.
3. If the person being interviewed or questioned is suspected to be mentally ill, interview or
interrogation techniques may be modified to include:
a. Requesting a member of the Crisis Intervention Team respond. If no CIT member is available, a
back-up officer should be requested, if one is not already on scene.
b. Notifying a supervisor.
c. Taking steps to calm the situation, if possible, through assuming a quiet non-threatening manner
when approaching the person.
d. If family or friends are present, used as information sources, or as a calming presence.
e. Removing distractions, upsetting influences and disruptive people from the scene.
f. Attempting to reassure the person that no harm is intended, and we are present to assist them.
g. If the person exhibits signs that they are a danger to themselves or others, the officers will
proceed accordingly. If non-sworn personnel are on the scene without an officer, they will take
steps to increase their safety, including disengagement and moving to a safe distance, and
immediate notify communications and request an officer.
NOTE: For additional information regarding interviews/interrogations, See Also: OPS 403
Constitutional Requirements & Judicial Guidelines for Investigations.
III. TRAINING
A. Initial, new hire training [41.2.7(d)]
1. All sworn personnel shall receive documented training on the procedures for recognizing and dealing
with mentally ill individuals in the academy training.
2. All non-sworn personnel shall receive documented training and/or information on recognizing and
dealing with mentally ill individuals, as it relates to contact with the general public.
B. All personnel shall receive documented refresher training in dealing with mentally ill individuals
annually. [41.2.7(e)]
IV. Hyperactive Delirium with Severe Agitation
A. Recognizing Hyperactive Delirium with Severe Agitation
1. Hyperactive delirium with severe agitation is a medically life-threatening combination of signs and
symptoms that require immediate de-escalation and medical evaluation.
2. The following atypical behaviors and actions or a subject relates they are experiencing any of the
following, may indicate hyperactive delirium with severe agitation. Typically, a subject will exhibit
or relate more than one of the following:
a. Cognitive impairment, including disorientation and difficulty with communication.
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