Street Talk

A MENTAL HEALTH NEWSLETTER FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PROFESSIONALS
 

Eastern Missouri                                                                                                                                              April - June, 2009

Mental Health America
of Eastern Missouri

A United Way Agency

BHR - Behavioral Health Response -- Click here for crisis response phone numbers.


In this issue . . .

Editor’s note:  As the logo above left indicates, the Mental Health Association of Greater St. Louis is now Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri.  Our web address has changed, too.  You can find us at www.mhaem.org.

There is still time to nominate a police officer for the 2009 John J. McAtee Police Recognition Award.  You can get the nomination form and luncheon RSVP here.

Cover Story: Autism - Recognition and Response At Your Service: Resources for Developmental Disabilities
CIT Corner: New Training Topic Open Mind: Asperger's Syndrome
In the Limelight: Captain Mike Laws Street Talk Archives
Do You Know?  A Police Officer's Guide to Mental Retardation vs. Mental Illness Mental Health Directory
Street Tips: Specialized Interview Skills  
   

  Cover Story: Autism: Recognition and Response

by Shannon Shelley,  MSW, LCSW, Vice President of residential services at Judevine Center for Autism. Judevine has more than 37 years experience and success in making connections for people with autism to their world. The organization offers assessments, parent training, clinical services, adult day services, residential services, supported employment, and various other services. Shannon Shelley

Autism is currently the focal point of increased scrutiny in the medical, educational and rehabilitation arenas. There has been a lot of focus and discussion on mental illness, but autism has the spotlight. Autism is America’s fastest growing developmental disability. Autism is estimated to affect as many as 1 in 150 children and as many as 1 in 94 boys. With the rise in these numbers, it is important to understand autism and the appropriate ways to intervene for the safety of the individual you encounter and yourself. 

Autism is a neurologically-based developmental disability that affects a person’s ability to socialize, make judgments and communicate. A person affected by autism will experience difficulty with sensory responses to even normal levels of lights, sounds, touches, odors and tastes. For example, when an individual with autism encounters law enforcement, they may be attracted to shiny things such as badges and guns. This same individual may run from law enforcement due to the bright lights on the patrol car or the shrill noise fAutismrom the siren. 

Law enforcement may encounter individuals with autism for some common reasons. The individual may display unusual behavior in community settings where their mannerisms may not be familiar. Individuals with autism need to have a great deal of pre-instructions related to their day-to-day schedule of activities. As we know, the community is full of unpredictable events and people. Due to sensory issues, individuals with autism may deal with this situation by twirling, hand flapping or body rocking. 

Individuals with autism can at times appear suspicious in a retail setting. For sensory and tactile reasons, individuals may hold on to comforting objects or rearrange or make order out of store displays or products, which may look like shoplifting. In this situation, an officer may gain more cooperation by allowing the individual to hold the item for its calming effect during questioning. 

Here are some helpful hints to help recognize someone with autism:

Suggested Police Responses:

Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means that people are affected differently. Autism ranges from mild to severe. The key is to observe the characteristics and be aware of your interaction. If possible, be proactive in your community. Reach out to group homes or apartments in your beat. Get to know the individuals with autism and their families. You will have better results when you understand how they communicate and use helpful de-escalation techniques.   

Source: Dennis Debbaudt   Autism, Advocates, and Law Enforcement Professionals

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CIT Corner: New Training Topic

By Sgt. Barry Armfield, St. Louis County Police Dept., who has been a St. Louis County officer for more than 30 years, with assignment in all patrol divisions, including Tactical Operations. He currently serves as the CIT Police Liaison Coordinator for the St. Louis County CIT Program.

CIT Corner appears regularly in Street Talk. 

Sgt. Barry Armfield

Late last year, we realized a lot of CIT incidents involved a person diagnosed with Mental Retardation and/or a Disability Disorder (MR/DD). Although we have always had a short description of MR/DD in basic CIT training, we really did not address the specifics of what is knows as Autism Spectrum Disorders. After presenting CIT to several groups representing persons with autism, I realized we were missing some important training issues for CIT officers.  

We were fortunate to have a friend of CIT, Shannon Shelley, who has been a big part of CIT since the beginning in 2003. Shannon holds the position of Vice President of Residential Services at Judevine Center for Autism and has agreed to assist with a training program for our basic training. John Guercio, Vice President for Programs with Judevine, is providing additional training for our 2009 CIT Officer In-Service Training.  

We have also added Michelle Levi-Perez, St. Louis Region Coordinator with MPACT (Missouri Parents Act), to our CIT Council and Training Committee. We look forward to the training theseCIT Logo professionals can bring to the CIT Program in the St. Louis Area.   

The St. Charles, Warren and Lincoln County CIT Program began instructing a block on Autism Spectrum Disorders in their basic training in January. The block of instruction was provided by Deputy Steve Case, who is with the St. Charles County Sheriff’s Department, and who the father of Matthew Case, an 11-year old diagnosed with autism. The training was well received by the officers in the class. 

We are being very effective with our CIT Program, and everyday I read CIT reports involving a crisis incident where officers are using their training to recognize and de-escalate a mental health crisis using just tactical communications. There are way too many incidents to report in this column where officers have taken a person to a hospital for evaluation and treatment rather than to jail. My hat goes off to all the CIT officers who are dedicated to helping those less fortunate who suffer from a mental illness.  THANK YOU!  Without the dedication of these officers, our CIT programs would not succeed. 

Sgt. Barry Armfield has been a St. Louis County officer for more than 30 years, with assignment in all patrol divisions, including Tactical Operations. He currently serves as the CIT Police Liaison Coordinator for the St. Louis County CIT Program.

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In the Limelight: Capt. Mike Laws

   

This edition of In the Limelight recognizes Capt. Mike Laws, Overland Police Department, for his dedication to and involvement in Street Talk

Capt. Mike LawsSince July 2001, Capt. Laws has served as co-chair of the Street Talk Advisory Committee. In addition to chairing meetings, he has authored numerous articles, provided guidance and leadership for the publication’s content, and acted as liaison to the mental health and law enforcement communities to recruit authors for contribution of articles. Thank you cup

Due to additional and ever-increasing demands on his time at the department, Capt. Laws has left the Street Talk Advisory Committee. We appreciate and thank him for his years of service in publishing the newsletter, and wish him well in his new endeavors.

Do You Know?  A Police Officer's Guide to Mental Retardation vs. Mental Illness

By Michael Maguire, Executive Director of Options For Justice since 1992. The agency is the only one of its kind in the State of Missouri and is set up to work with offenders with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities. Maguire is also a former Illinois State probation officer. He has been a trainer at the St. Louis County and Municipal Police Academy since 1993 and at the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Academy since 1997, where he has trained hundreds of police officers regarding mental retardation. Maguire can be contacted by calling 314-721-6161. 

Michael Maguire

As a law enforcement officer, you encounter people from many walks of life. Your ability to recognize and correctly handle situations involving people with special needs, such as mental retardation, will largely determine your level of success. 

Some officers use the term “mental illness” as a catch all, or interchangeably with mental retardation. However, mental illness and mental retardation are not the same and should not be treated that way.  

In the past 33 years, the number of people with mental retardation who live in our communities has greatly increased. These individuals are typically law-abiding and can be productive citizens. Unfortunately, as with any other group of citizens, a small percentage of these individuals violate federal, state and local laws and should be held accountable for their acts.

Remember, a person with mild mental retardation may… 

Mental retardation is a developmental disability. Individuals with these disabilities may experience difficulty in areas such as self-care, self-direction, mobility, learning, language and independent living. Common developmental disabilities in addition to mental retardation include learning disabilities, autism, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy. 

Officer safety demands that you initially treat suspects with mental retardation in the same manner as you would any other suspect. However, when the situation is secure, using a calm but firm tone will usually be the best approach in communicating with these individuals.

The guidelines listed below will assist officers in becoming more aware of and increase their ability to recognize mental retardation and how it differs from mental illness:

Mental Retardation

Mental Illness
Mental Retardation is a condition and refers to below average intelligence Mental illness has nothing to do with intelligence -- it is an illness

Mental Retardation usually occurs during the developmental years

Mental illness can happen at any age
Mental retardation occurs in about 3% of the population As many as 16-20% of the population may experience a mental illness
Mental retardation is permanent Mental illness can be temporary, and many people recover fully

Individuals with mental retardation can be rational and perform at their levels of understanding

 

An individual with mental illness can fluctuate between rational and irrational behavior

The majority of people with mental retardation have mild mental retardation, which can make it difficult to identify them

Many people with mental illness may be able to hide their symptoms temporarily, and may also be difficult to identify

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Street Tips: Specialized Interview Skills

By Michael McGuire, Executive Director of Options For Justice since 1992. Michael Maguire

Recognition

When people with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities break the law and get arrested, it is important for police officers to remember: 


Interview/Interrogation Techniques

When the above factors are present in a suspect, officers will probably need to modify their standard interview language, pacing and phrasing. Here are a few Interview and Interrogation tips to help improve communication and the gathering of information when talking with a person who has a mental retardation or developmental disability. 

If you think you are dealing with a person who has a mental retardation or other developmental disability, such as autism, cerebral palsy, learning disability related to brain dysfunction, head injury, epilepsy, remember that free consultation is available by contacting:  Options For Justice, 200 S. Hanley, Suite 207, St. Louis, MO  63105, 314-721-6161

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At Your Service:  Resources for Developmental Disabililties

By Michelle Levi-Perez, the St. Louis Region Coordinator for MPACT (Missouri Parents Act), Missouri’s Parent Training and Information Center. Michelle also works for the Family and Community Resource Center at Special School District and is the mother of twin boys with autism.

Michelle Levi-Perez

As not only a parent of children with developmental disabilities, but also a professional working in the field of parent education, I find the most valuable tool for families is the ability to access resources. Here are various resources to help families address developmental disability concerns.

Advocacy 

MPACT
Parent Training & Information Center
800-995-3160  

MO Protection and Advocacy
800-233-3958
 

Options for Justice
314-721-6161

 

Adult Day Programs

Easter Seals Adult Day Services
636-779-2261  

St. Louis ARC Community Integration Program
314-569-2211

Support Innovations, Inc.
314-983-9172

 

Crisis

Behavioral Health Responses (BHR)
314-469-6644 

Crisis Intervention Services: Contact area Service Coordinator:
St. Louis City – 314-301-3900
St. Louis County – 314-340-6500 

Youth Emergency Services (Y.E.S)
314-862-1334

 

Employment

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
314-877-1500 

JESS (Jobs and Employment Support)
314-644-0461  

St. Louis ARC
314-569-2211

 

Evaluation/Intervention

Bridges Community Support Services
314-781-7900  

Contact local school district if under 21  

Knights of Columbus Developmental Center
314-577-5609 

MO Developmental Disabilities Resource Center
800-444-0821
 

   St. Louis Regional Office
   314-340-6500

 

Independent Living

Delta Center for Independent Living
636-926-8761  

Disability Resource Association Jefferson County
636-931-7696  

Life Skills Foundation
314-567-7705
 

Paraquad
314-289-4200  

St. Louis ARC
314-569-2492

 

Parent Education

Disability Support Systems Jefferson County
636-931-6644  

Family and Community Resource Center, Special School District
314-989-8194

Family Resource Center, St. Louis City
314-534-9350  

Family Support Network
314-644-5055  

Jefferson County Developmental Disabilities Board
636-282-4444  

MPACT Parent Training and Information
800-995-3160

 

Recreation

Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis
   St. Louis County - 314-726-6044
   St. Louis City – 314-772-2299
   St. Charles – 636-477-7704

 

Respite

Assistance with Respite Care in the Home (ARCH)
314-569-2211  

Community Living, Inc. - St. Charles
636-946-3557  

Disability Support Systems - Jefferson County
636-931-6644

 

Support Groups

Down Syndrome Association of St. Louis
314-961-2504  

Judevine Center for Autism
314-432-6200  

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI-St. Louis)
314-966-4670
 

Sharing Our Strengths (SOS) - Support Matching Network
800-773-8652  

St. Louis ARC Family Organization
314-817-2275

 

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Open Mind: Asperger's Syndrome

Open Mind is a column that was formerly produced by Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri (formerly the Mental Health Association of Greater St. Louis), which appeared weekly in many Suburban Journals.  Although the column is no longer being produced, we maintain the archive on this website.  Click here for the reprint above and access to the entire Open Mind Archive on this website.

Street Talk Archives

We have archived past issues of Street Talk on this website.  All back issues also include a Mental Health Directory and a link to a relevant Open Mind column.

January, 2009

October, 2008

July, 2008

April, 2008

January, 2008

 

October, 2007
July, 2007
April, 2007
January, 2007
October, 2006
July, 2006
April, 2006

January, 2006
October, 2005
July, 2005
April, 2005
January, 2005

 
October, 2004
July, 2004
April, 2004
January, 2004

October, 2003
July 2003
April 2003
January 2003

October 2002
July 2002
April 2002


 


Following is a dated index of previous articles that have appeared in Street Talk.  To get a copy of any article or a previous issue, please call LaDonna Haley at 314-773-1399.

January 2001

"It Worked for Me" (Officer Gorman)

Holiday blues vs. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

What should I know about Bipolar Disorder?

"When it finally hit home – part 1" (FBI agent Burt Jensen)

Public policy, mental health, your work

Liability issues for officers and departments

In the Limelight: Hazelwood PD

At Your Service: St. Patrick Center

April 2001

I’d like you to know (helpful hints)

Dealing with frequent callers

"When it finally hit home – part 2" (FBI agent Burt Jensen)

July 2001

Officer and Department of the year awards

At Your Service: Provident Counseling

Q&A: All about EAP’s

Know your mental health options

What does confidentiality really mean?

October 2001

Rethinking our strategies (John Bozarth)

Anger management

Helping peers in distress

In the Limelight: Ballwin and Hazelwood PD’s

January 2002

Who Can You Trust?

Staying in the Cooktent

Top 10 Myths & Facts about Mental Illness

The Terrorist: Sane or Mentally Ill?

At Your Service: American Red Cross

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Mental Health Directory

Department of Mental Health Administrative Agents

BJC Behavioral Health (St. Louis County and South St. Louis City) 314-729-4004
Comtrea (Jefferson County) 636-931-2700
Crider Health Center (Franklin, Lincoln, St. Charles, Warren Co.) 636-332-6000
Hopewell Center (north St. Louis City) 314-531-1770
Community Mental Health Resources
BHR (Behavioral Health Response) 24-Hour Crisis Hotline 1-800-811-4760
Life Crisis Services, Inc. 24-Hour crisis Hotline 314-647-HELP
Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri (Education, Information, Referral) 314-773-1399
NAMI-St. Louis (Education and Support for Families) 314-966-4670

Visit These Websites For FACT SHEETS & Other Mental Health Resource Information:

 

Advisory Board

Chair
Lt. Dan Fitzgerald
Brentwood Police Dept.

Sgt. Barry Armfield
St. Louis County Police Dept.

Lt. Jeff Beaton
Shrewsbury Police Department

Cindy Daugherty
Behavioral Health Response

Sgt. Ann M. Dorn
St. Louis Metropolitan Police

Marti Ledyard, Ph.D., LCSW
Hawthorn Children's Psychiatric Hospital

Richard Stevenson
National Alliance on Mental Illness   
NAMI-St. Louis

Joe Yancey
Community Alternatives

 

 

Street Talk

Editor
LaDonna Haley

Print Version Graphic Layout/Design
Simmy Wolf

Web Version Layout/Design
Barry Schapiro

Publishers

Published quarterly by Behavioral Health Response and Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri, a United Way Agency, to provide mental health and mental illness information to law enforcement professionals.

Contents copyright © 2009 Behavioral Health Response and Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri, a United Way Agency.  All rights reserved.  Written permission must be obtained from Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri for reprints and duplication in any form.

For Further Information Contact:

Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri
1905 S. Grand
St. Louis, MO 63104
Phone: (314) 773-1399
Fax: (314) 773-5930
E-Mail:
info@mhaem.org

Behavioral Health Response, Inc.
12647 Olive Street Road #200
St. Louis, MO 63141
Phone: (314) 469-6644
Fax: (314) 469-0412
E-Mail: swolf@bhrworldwide.org

Articles and comments from law enforcement professionals are welcomed and encouraged.

 

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