640.45 CRISIS RESPONSE TEAMS
Refer:
- ORS 161.015 General Definitions
- DIR 210.45 Citizen Volunteers
- DIR 240.00 Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- DIR 612.10 Death Messages
- DIR 631.34 Critical Incident Notification
- DIR 640.10 Crime Scenes
- DIR 640.80 Mandatory Bias/Prejudice Crime Reporting
- DIR 1010.10 Deadly Physical Force
- PPB Problem Solving Resource Guide (SSD)
POLICY (640.45)
CRTs are available to assist anyone who is a victim of a crime and/or has been impacted by a traumatic incident; regardless of their ethnic or religious background.
CRTs are available to respond anywhere in the metro area, as well as to other counties when requested and approved by an on-duty supervisor of the RU of assignment, at any time to assist the victims of traumatic events, their families, loved ones, and the community at large. CRTs are available to assist outside law enforcement agencies as needed. If responding outside the Portland city limits, the CRT officer will notify the RU manager. CRTs do not have investigatory responsibilities. CRTs are available to provide support and assistance to the community. CRTs may be available to serve as an interpreter for communicating with individuals in their native language based on the CRT’s proficiency.
The CRT assistance for victims and others directly impacted by the incident may range from crisis intervention and referrals to pre-funeral arrangements and attending funeral services. The CRT may also be used as an outreach tool during special community events (i.e., Cinco de Mayo, community marches), and to assist with dispelling rumors and tension following an emotionally charged incident.
PROCEDURES (640.45)
Directive Specific Definitions
Crisis Response Team (CRT): A group of screened and trained volunteers from various ethnic, religious, professional and personal backgrounds who provide crisis intervention and counseling, bereavement support and other services that are not available through normal channels.
Crisis Response Team Coordinator: A member who is responsible for the recruitment, training and supervision of the Crisis Response Team volunteers.
Traumatic incident: An incident in which one or more people have been seriously injured and/or killed, or have died unexpectedly, and there are family and community members directly or indirectly impacted.
Member Responsibilities (640.45)
Mandatory CRT Notifications
a. The primary member or on-scene supervisor will ensure that CRT notification is made for the following incidents. The request should be made as soon as practical:
1. All homicides.
2. All deaths and serious injuries (per ORS 161.015) resulting from police actions.
3. Police related investigations involving youth and/or gang violence, including assaults, requiring participants to be transported to a medical facility.
4. Serious hate and bias crimes involving, but not limited to, the following circumstances:
a) Arrest of a suspect involved in the crime.
b) The crime may pose a significant impact on a certain community.
c) The crime caused significant emotional trauma to the victim as indicated by the victim’s emotional state.
d) Any other circumstance which causes the member to believe that CRT assistance would benefit the victim.
Discretionary CRT Notifications (640.45)
a. Any sworn member on scene at any traumatic incident, not already listed, may request CRT notification.
b. On-scene supervisors in crowd control situations may request assistance from the CRT coordinator if the supervisor believes the CRT coordinator can help dispel crowd tensions.
c. SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) to support the family.
d. Other deaths (i.e., fatal traffic crashes, drowning) may be considered.
Requesting Member Responsibilities (640.45)
a. CRT call out request will be made through BOEC, or by pager.
b. The member making the request may be contacted by the CRT Coordinator prior to CRT being dispatched. The member will brief the CRT Coordinator at that time and advise who is the contact person on scene.
c. Document, in the appropriate report, that CRT was notified.
CRT Coordinator Responsibilities (640.45)
a. Upon notification of a CRT call out, the CRT Coordinator will receive a briefing on the incident to include the following information:
1. Nature of the incident.
2. Location of the incident.
3. Number of individuals involved.
b. The CRT Coordinator will decide the appropriate level of response, and initiate the call out based on his/her assessment.
c. The incident will be documented to include all CRT members who responded and his/her actions at the scene.
d. Coordinate with, and provide updates to, the appropriate precinct commander and investigating unit.
RU Manager Responsibilities (640.45)
a. Resolve any issues that result from a CRT response.
b. Ensure adequate training for CRT volunteers is received prior to the volunteers being called to scenes.
c. Ensure the volunteers have had the required background check performed and that the volunteers have been issued the proper equipment.
d. Ensure the volunteers are adhering to appropriate Bureau policies and procedures.