WHEREAS, “Excited Delirium” is not a recognized medical or psychiatric condition, and with various media citing this descriptive phrase as cause of death, police officers have been held to a higher level of diagnostic acuity and standard of care than can be expected within their scope of responsibility, equipment and training; and

WHEREAS, by recognizing “excited delirium” as a medical emergency that may cause death an unnecessary and unwarranted liability be created; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), duly assembled at its 103rd annual conference in Phoenix, Arizona, supports that law enforcement agencies in policies, procedures, and training curricula describe altered mental states and behaviors with accuracy and specificity. Recommended terms include “Toxic Reaction to Cocaine,” “Toxic Reaction to Amphetamine,” or “Altered Mental Status with Combative Features.” In any use of the term “Excited Delirium” care should be exercised to not disconnect it from the precursive drug phrase such as “Drug Induced Excited Delirium.”