NCJ Number
82909
Date Published
1982
Length
355 pages
Annotation
The text describes various forms of abnormal behavior (psychopathic, delinquent, violent, suicidal, drug-dependent, etc.) and suggests how police teams can best handle persons behaving abnormally. The behavior of hostages, hostage-takers, rioters, and others in a conflict situation is also discussed.
Abstract
The text explains characteristics and common misconceptions about such behavioral abnormalities as passive-aggressive, histrionic, paranoid, and compulsive personality disorders. Factors underlying various neuroses (anxiety, depressive, obsessive-compulsive, phobic, conversion, and dissociative) are discussed, with an emphasis on relieving the subjects' acute stress or anxiety to control panic. The text also covers psychotic disorders (schizophrenia, paranoia, catatonia); affective disorders (manic depression); psychopathic behavior; aberrant sexual behavior (homosexuality, fetishism, tranvestitism, sadism and masochism, rape and incest, pedophilia, exhibitionism, and voyeurism); and delinquent behavior. A chapter on drug-dependent behavior describes the physical and psychological effects of opiates, hallucinogens, marijuana, cocaine, alcohol, and other drugs. A discussion of situational crises (disasters, riots, hostage incidents, and domestic and neighborhood conflicts) focuses on appropriate police responses and negotiating tactics. Finally, the text reviews the role of mental health professionals in police work. Tables, chapter references, and an index are included.