Copy of PSA - Certification Study Guide-2

Chapter Two – Characteristics of Unique Populations

Chapter Objectives

  • Understanding Mental Disorders

    • Characteristics of various mental disorders.

  • Legal Framework

    • Purpose of the Baker Act and Marchman Act.

  • Definitions

    • Intellectual Disability and Physical Disability.

  • Crimes Against the Elderly

    • Common crimes targeting elderly individuals.

  • Juvenile Offenders

    • Characteristics associated with juvenile offenders.

  • Substance Use and Dependency

    • Differences between substance abuse, use, and dependence.

  • Signs of Intoxication

    • Indicators of a person being intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.

Importance for Public Safety Professionals

  • Diversity in Populations

    • Public safety professionals encounter diverse individuals and must protect and serve all community members.

    • Unique characteristics of individuals may require special responses and precautions.

Persons with Mental Disorders

  • Definition

    • Psychological and/or behavioral problems impairing daily functioning.

  • Categories of Mental Disorders

    1. Thought Disorders

      • Symptoms may include unusual thinking patterns, disturbances of speech.

      • Common symptoms:

        • Delusions: False beliefs (e.g., thoughts of having superpowers).

        • Hallucinations: Sensory experiences without real external stimuli (e.g., hearing voices).

    2. Anxiety Disorders

      • Characterized by irrational fears.

      • Symptoms: shaking, sweating, panic attacks (mimicking heart attack: shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, dizziness).

    3. Mood Disorders

      • Depression: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, changes in weight, sleep disturbances, suicidal thoughts.

      • Bipolar Disorder: Mood swings between depression and mania (reckless behavior, overspending).

    4. Personality Disorders

      • Maladaptive behaviors, e.g., antisocial personality disorder (lack of remorse) and borderline personality disorder (emotional instability).

    5. Organic Disorders

      • Cognitive dysfunction due to medical conditions (e.g., traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer’s disease).

Public Safety Responses to Mental Disorders

  • Key Protocols

    1. Ensure safety for all.

    2. Avoid deception.

    3. Use force minimally.

    4. Refer to a qualified mental health professional.

    5. Initiate Baker Act if harm is possible.

    6. Stay calm and respond without anxiety.

    7. Do not engage in disputes about hallucinations.

    8. Treat individuals with respect.

Intellectually Disabled Persons

  • Definition

    • Individuals with significantly sub-average general intelligence impacting personal independence and social responsibility.

  • Causes of Intellectual Disabilities

    • Genetic abnormalities (e.g., Down syndrome), prenatal injuries (e.g., maternal substance abuse), infections, and traumatic brain injury.

  • Common Challenges

    • Limited communication, impaired impulse control, difficulty distinguishing right from wrong.

Physically Disabled Persons

  • Considerations in Interactions

    • Individuals may not comply due to a hearing impairment.

    • Indicators: lack of response, requests to repeat instructions.

    • Use alternative communication methods (sign language, writing).

    • Rights include access to interpreters and communication devices.

Elderly Persons

  • Vulnerability to Crimes

    • Elderly often victims of fraud, theft, and abuse due to perceived vulnerability.

    • Tend to report crimes less frequently.

  • Public Safety Interactions

    • Common when elderly individuals face health issues or emergencies.

Juvenile and Youth Offenders

  • Characteristics Influencing Behavior

    • Factors affecting juvenile crime: broken homes, socioeconomic status, irresponsibility, peer pressure, defiance, and substance involvement.

Responding to Substance Abusers

  • Definitions

    • Substance Use: Consumption that alters functioning.

    • Substance Abuse: Continuation despite adverse effects.

    • Substance Dependence: Loss of control, withdrawal symptoms.

  • Characteristics of Dependence

    1. Overwhelming need for a substance.

    2. Increasing dosage.

    3. Detrimental effects on various aspects of life.

  • Withdrawal Symptoms

    • Included effects such as anxiety, insomnia, aggression, and tremors.

  • Risk Factors

    • Availability of drugs, association with users, risk-taking personality, and accidental medication abuse.

Signs of Intoxication**

  • Visible Indicators

    • Signs to look for:

      • Alcohol odor, bloodshot eyes, erratic behavior, incoherent speech, signs of aggression.

Legal Framework for Substance-Related Issues

  • Marchman Act

    • Legal procedures for handling intoxicated individuals and outlining their rights.