How should you assess arrestee risk for self-harm or violence at intake?

• A. Skip risk assessment.
• B. Complete a standardized risk assessment, note history and current indicators, document responses, and escalate to supervisor if risk is high.
• C. Rely solely on prior records, ignore current indicators.
• D. Stop the assessment if arrestee seems calm.

Answer: (B)

Assessing risk at intake relies on using a standardized risk assessment tool and integrating both past history and what you observe or hear at the moment. A structured, standardized tool helps you consistently weigh factors such as prior self-harm or violence, mental health history, current mood and thoughts, withdrawal or intoxication, substance use, access to means, and any immediate indicators of risk. You should document the arrestee’s responses, your observations, and any collateral information so there is a clear record of the risk level and the basis for it. If the assessment shows high risk, escalate to a supervisor or mental health professional to put safety measures and appropriate interventions in place. Even if the person seems calm, current indicators can reveal risk that history alone doesn’t show, so you don’t skip the assessment or ignore present cues.