An EDP or an Emotionally Disturbed Person is a broad term that is often used to describe an individual with a mental illness or someone experiencing some form of crisis. It is a term used by law enforcement to describe someone with emotional, mental, or erratic behavior that affects their decision-making process that may include hurting themselves or others. EDPs can be unpredictable and unlikely to deal with you in a completely rational manner. There are three encompassing categories of EDPs: long-term, chronically mentally ill, chemical abuser - drug and alcohol, and short term - temporarily out of control. When dealing with an EDP, there are some very important things that you should consider, such as never underestimating their intelligence, getting back up as soon as possible, taking your time, talking softly, slowly, and simply, trying to calm the subject, maintaining distance and escape routes, being ready to use force if necessary, and not being lulled into complacency when dealing with someone who may be disturbed.