If you have an inmate with a mental problem you should...

• A. Notify your supervisor only
• B. Notify Behavioral Health only
• C. Notify your supervisor and Behavioral Health
• D. Ignore and proceed with normal duties

Answer: (C)

Managing safety and appropriate care for inmates with mental health issues requires escalation to both supervisory command and mental health professionals. When you encounter signs of a mental health problem, you should rapidly notify your supervisor so the incident is handled according to agency policy, security protocols, and coordination with medical units. At the same time, involve Behavioral Health to ensure a proper clinical assessment, crisis intervention if needed, and a plan for ongoing care or appropriate disposition. This dual notification helps prevent harm, ensures the inmate receives appropriate treatment, and keeps the response aligned with safety and legal requirements. Failing to involve both could leave security risks unaddressed or delay essential medical care, while ignoring the situation altogether is not acceptable.