I refer to the recent media reports of an unfortunate incident in Bahau (Seremban) where a mentally disturbed man was shot dead by the police when he turned violent.

It is indeed sad to note that the police were forced to open fire and in the process we have lost a life. I find it difficult to comprehend how four policemen equipped with a Taser gun were not able to immobilise or overpower the mentally ill person.

Were the policemen aware of the risk associated in handling individuals who are suffering from serious mental depression? It also puzzles me to learn that the use of the Taser gun was of no effect on the amok man.

Were there no other humane means of restraining or temporarily knocking down the "sick" man like the use of plastic bullets, nets, etc.

Whatever it is, I hope the authorities will investigate the incident and take necessary steps to prevent a similar incident from happening again.It must be pointed out that dealing with individuals who are suffering from severe mental illness is no ordinary police work and it should not be taken lightly.

It needs special skills and knowledge as the mentally disturbed person by the very nature of his illness may pose a unique unpredictability in his behavior and responses.

Experts have reported that mentally disturbed persons tend to hallucinate and suffer from severe delusions. Under these conditions and circumstances communicating with a mentally disturbed person will be very difficult and may pose unique dangers.

Police officers who are not specially trained to handle mentally disturbed persons are not in a position to understand these sick people's perceptions (beliefs) and actions.

According to an article titled "Communication difficulties with emotionally disturbed people" by Dr.Conroy (who is clinical Psychologist with 30 years of experience in police work in the USA ,) individuals who are undergoing psychotic episodes may have lost all contact with reality and they may not be able to identify police officers even though they are in uniform.

He pointed out that mentally disturbed persons are often overcome by fear and it is extremely difficult to establish a basis for communication with them.

Dr.Conroy advises police officers who are trying to communicate with someone who is mentally ill to go slowly and not to assume anything or take things for granted .He suggested the following tips for those who are trying to communicate with someone who is mentally ill.

1. Protect yourself-don't take unnecessary risks
2. Go slowly
3. Paraphrase and repeat back what they are telling you.
4. Don't issue orders unless there is an immediate danger to life.
5. Take a soft approach whenever possible
6. Don't take short cuts unless absolutely necessary.


Newspaper reports indicates of late there is a rise of suicide and amok related incidents in the country and this is indeed a cause for concern.

There is a likelihood we may see a spike of many more of such incidents (amok and depressed persons trying to commit suicide) in the near future. The authorities especially the first responders like the police,Bomba and others should be well trained and prepared for such incidents.

There is a need to equip our police officers and others who are responding to handling emergency arising from mentally deranged or depressed persons to be well equipped with the right knowledge, skills and equipment to prevent unwanted tragic incidents.

Dealing with individuals who are emotionally disturbed will invariably put the police in a quandary as they elicit sympathy from the population due to their condition.

It is therefore advisable the police seek the help of professionals (physiologist/psychiatrist and paramedics) wherever practical instead of taking unnecessary risk.


Ref: Dennis L.Conroy.