DCJS Mental Health & Crisis Intervention

Question 1

Under Virginia law, a Temporary Detention Order (TDO) allows law enforcement to detain an individual for mental health evaluation for a maximum of how many hours?

Accepted Answer

72 hours

Answer

24 hours

Answer

48 hours

Answer

96 hours

Question 2

Which Virginia statute primarily governs the emergency custody and temporary detention of individuals who may be a danger to themselves or others due to mental illness?

Accepted Answer

Title 37.2 Behavioral Health Code

Answer

Title 18.2 Criminal Code

Answer

Title 19.2 Criminal Procedure

Answer

Title 32.1 Health Code

Question 3

During a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) response, what is the PRIMARY goal of the responding officer?

Accepted Answer

De-escalate the situation and connect the individual to appropriate services

Answer

Secure an immediate arrest

Answer

Transport the individual to jail

Answer

Issue a summons for disorderly conduct

Question 4

An Emergency Custody Order (ECO) in Virginia may be issued by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A magistrate, special justice, or a treating physician in certain circumstances

Answer

A magistrate or special justice only

Answer

A law enforcement officer only

Answer

Only a circuit court judge

Question 5

What does the acronym 'PTSD' stand for in the context of mental health crises encountered by law enforcement?

Accepted Answer

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Answer

Pre-Trial Supervision Directive

Answer

Psychiatric Triage and Safety Directive

Answer

Post-Treatment Stabilization Directive

Question 6

When communicating with a subject in a mental health crisis, which approach is MOST effective according to CIT principles?

Accepted Answer

Speak calmly, listen actively, and use open-ended questions

Answer

Use commanding, loud verbal directives to establish authority

Answer

Immediately request backup and wait without engaging

Answer

Threaten arrest to gain compliance quickly

Question 7

Under Virginia's ECO law, how long may law enforcement detain a subject under an Emergency Custody Order before a TDO must be issued or the individual released?

Accepted Answer

8 hours

Answer

4 hours

Answer

12 hours

Answer

24 hours