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Chapter 5: Crisis Response and Law Enforcement- Safer Communities for People with Mental Disorders

  • Page ID
    327714
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    Learning Objectives

    The following learning objectives tell you what is most important in this chapter. Use these statements as a guide to make sure you get the most out of this chapter.

    1. Recognize risks of police interactions with people experiencing crisis in the community.
    2. Describe strategies to reduce and/or improve police interactions with people who have mental disorders.
    3. Explain the role of a functioning crisis response system in reducing the criminalization of mental disorders.
    4. Compare opportunities for police to respond to calls in ways that minimize harm and better meet the needs of the communities they serve, including people who experience mental disorders.
    • 5.1: Chapter Learning Objectives and Overview
      This page discusses enhancing police interactions with individuals in mental health crises, using Melissa Perez's case as a focal point. It outlines learning objectives on recognizing risks and improving responses, explains crisis response systems, and compares police strategies to reduce harm. Key terms are defined to build understanding.
    • 5.2: Policing People with Mental Disorders
      This page discusses the troubling frequency of fatal police encounters with individuals in mental health crises, focusing on marginalized groups. It highlights systemic problems like insufficient mental health care and aggressive police responses, backed by case studies. The text advocates for enhanced community support, improved police training, reduced police involvement in such crises, and better access to mental health treatment to avert tragic incidents.
    • 5.3: Reducing Police Encounters- Crisis Response Systems
      This page discusses the establishment of behavioral health crisis response systems that operate independently of the criminal justice system, emphasizing minimal police involvement. Key elements include crisis lines, mobile crisis teams, and stabilization centers aimed at providing effective mental health support. Success stories from programs in Oregon highlight the benefits of community-based interventions.
    • 5.4: Crisis Prevention- Help and Treatment
      This page highlights the limitations of crisis hotlines, including the 988 Lifeline, and the need for connecting individuals to more intensive services to avoid criminal justice involvement. It presents Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) as a beneficial approach for supporting individuals with serious mental illnesses by providing comprehensive community care.
    • 5.5: Crisis Services for Special Populations
      This page highlights the importance of effective crisis response systems that are accessible to diverse and vulnerable populations. It discusses progress noted in SAMHSA's 2023 report, mentioning initiatives in states like Oregon, Wisconsin, and Minneapolis that cater to racially and ethnically diverse communities, including Native American, Alaska Native, LGBTQIA+, elder, and child populations. Understanding and addressing unique needs is essential for a compassionate crisis response.
    • 5.6: Improving Police Encounters
      This page covers the intersections of law enforcement and mental health crises, emphasizing improved police responses through training and specialized units like Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) and co-responder teams. It advocates for minimizing force and enhancing empathy in policing, particularly through increased female representation and cultural shifts within departments.
    • 5.7: Chapter Summary
      This page discusses the risks associated with policing individuals in mental health crises and the potential for harm. It emphasizes the need for effective community crisis response systems, such as crisis lines and mobile teams, to reduce dependence on law enforcement. Important training for police in crisis response and mental health awareness is highlighted.
    • 5.8: References
      This page discusses mental health crisis intervention strategies and the integration of behavioral health into police protocols. It highlights community-based initiatives like CAHOOTS and Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) while stressing the need for crisis response training for law enforcement and mental health professionals.


    This page titled Chapter 5: Crisis Response and Law Enforcement- Safer Communities for People with Mental Disorders is shared under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Anne Nichol (Open Oregon) .