n shabby clothing and have poor personal hygiene, but are usually harmless. If an officer is confronted with a violent schizophrenic, he/she should not focus on the criminal aspects of the case, but how they can relate to the person to deescalate the situation. Prior to any violent acts, some patients will write letters, make phone calls, or communicate in other ways to law enforcement and the community. Community member should bring these threats to the attention to the police, no matter how bizarre they may seem. Police and other community advocates should judge a potentially violent mentally ill patient with five principles. The first is whether the individual is organized and coherent or if he/she is not. The second is whether the patient stays fixed on one or several themes (or explanations) for their problems. The third is whether the individual focuses on a specific person for the problem. The fourth is whether they believe the only way to solve the problem is to take it into their own hands. The last is whether the patient exerts urgency about solving his/her problems. Community members should not base their opinions about someone being violent on threats alone. “Researchers have noted that some who make threats do not pose threats, and some who pose threats do make threats”. (Mohandie 11)Some verbal and nonverbal strategies can be taken to ensure the safety of those involved in the crisis situation. Those who are first to respond to a schizophrenic episode should first and foremost, show respect and interest in the patient and their concerns, no matter how difficult. The first contact a person makes with the patient can set the tone for the rest of the situation. Those dealing with the patient should always speak nonconfrontationally. Bell says to speak in an even tone with a sense of respect and dignity. (Bell 2238) After setting some groundwork, responders should take an “unemotional, logica...
