Exploring Physical Force and Subject Resistance in Police Encounters With People With Behavioral Health Issues

• NCJ Number: 253711
• Journal: Victims & Offenders Volume: 13 Issue: 8 Dated: 2018 Pages: 1106-1131
• Author(s): Charlotte Gill; Rachel Jenson; Breanne Cave
• Date Published: 2018
• Length: 26 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2015-WY-BX-0005
• Sponsoring Agency: Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical); Report (Study/Research); Report (Grant Sponsored); Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Using 3 years of incident reports (2014-2016) and an officer survey from a midsize suburban police department, this study examined police interactions with people who have behavioral health issues (PBHI) and officers' experiences and perceptions of these encounters.

Abstract

The study found that police were less likely to use physical force in cases that involved PBHI, even in the face of more, and more severe, resistance; however, officers believed they used force more frequently and were unsatisfied with the options available to them to address behavioral health challenges. Recommendations for police training and practice are suggested. (publisher abstract modified)