5 Stages of Police Crisis Intervention

1. Scene safety – Assess for presence of firearms – obtain history of address from dispatch – have back-up
2. Make contact with complainant & subject – express a desire to help; listen to explanation of the problem – ascertain what is precipitating factor?Roberts (2005) suggested not only inquiring about the precipitating event (the proverbial ‘‘last straw’’) but also prioritizing problems in terms of which to work on first, a concept referred to as ‘‘looking for leverage’’ (Egan, 2002).
3. Establish direct communication with subject – attempt to establish trust; support for taking steps toward change; “why now?”; identify any immediate threats – sobriety
4. Pros and Cons for change – ascertain how willing  is subject to begin change process, i.e. sobriety, counseling, detoxification
5. Positive expectations for change = direct movement toward change – hospital program; rewards that will come with positive change

Roberts, A. R., & Dziegielewski, S. F. (1995). Foundation skills and applications of crisis intervention and cognitive therapy. In A. R. Roberts (Ed.), Crisis intervention and time-limited cognitive treatment (pp. 3–27). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.