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In this training film, the New Orleans police demonstrate ways to deal with persons who are mentally ill. The film's premise is that with proper attitude, training, backup, and patience, most if not all disturbances caused by persons who are mentally ill can be resolved without injury or violence. In several simulated scenes, the police demonstrate these tactics of delay, calm, sympathy, and minimal force. In its conclusion, the film urges citizens to demand 24-hour emergency response from medical personnel so that police and jails will not be the community's de facto mental institution.