What is an essential guideline when intervening with a person in crisis?

Establishing rapport with a person in crisis is vital because it helps to build trust and creates a more supportive environment for the individual. When a person is in crisis, they often feel vulnerable and may perceive a threat in their surroundings. By showing empathy and understanding, law enforcement officers can help the person feel heard and valued, which can de-escalate the situation and facilitate effective communication.

Creating rapport encourages the individual to express their feelings and concerns, allowing the officer to better understand their thoughts and emotions. This understanding is crucial for determining the best course of action and can lead to a more positive outcome. Building rapport involves active listening, validating their feelings, and communicating in a calm and reassuring manner, all of which are essential skills for any officer dealing with crisis situations.

Other approaches, such as maintaining distance or avoiding dialogue, may increase feelings of isolation or mistrust, which could exacerbate the crisis. Ignoring a person's perception of reality dismisses their experience and can lead to further distress, while not engaging in conversation may prevent a resolution. Thus, establishing rapport is key to effectively intervening with someone in crisis.