Crisis Intervention

Definitions

Crisis and traumatic stress are overlapping terms used by theorists when defining the condition. Although there are subtle differences in their definitions, there are also certain commonalities. When an individual encounters an obstacle to an important life goal, or has witnessed or been involved in an event that is overwhelming and cannot use his or her usual problem-solving abilities, it is determined that the individual has experienced a crisis or traumatic stress. These incidents, sometimes referred to as critical events, are typically unexpected and uncontrollable. They compromise an individual's sense of safety and security and result in feelings of helplessness and vulnerability. Whatever name is used to describe the condition, the impact is the same. Individuals in crisis are left feeling overwhelmed, out of control, and helpless.

Identifying the Crisis Situation

Crisis is not a pathological state; it may occur, under certain conditions, to anyone at any time. Different people faced with the same situation may not necessarily display the same reactions or be similarly affected. An evaluation of individuals involved in a critical incident is the first crucial step law enforcement officers take when making an intervention. Many police departments train their officers to use the evaluative criteria developed by Naomi Golan. The criteria suggest that responding officers answer the following questions:

• Does a crisis exist?
• At what point in the process is the officer entering?
• What should the goals be of the officer's intervention?
• What tasks have to be carried out by the officer, the victim, or others in order to achieve these goals?

To answer the first two questions, officers are trained to examine the circumstances leading to the need for help and to identify appropriate strategies for a resolution.

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