Police are called to an apartment house by neighbors who report that one of the residents is assaulting his wife. The police sergeant immediately calls for more help in dealing with the situation and attempts to gain the man's confidence without resorting to violence. In such situations, police officers should aim to protect the public (i.e., disperse all crowds near the scene), protect themselves, treat the mentally unbalanced as sick and not criminal, and stay calm. They should also avoid abusing or deceiving the disturbed person and proceed slowly in dealing with the subject. Finally, police should make every effort to reassure the disturbed person that no harm awaits him (i.e., by removing handcuffs). Isolating the person in a cell can reduce excitement, which is difficult for the unbalanced to handle. A panel discussion on police handling of the mentally disturbed is included.