NCJ Number
178782
Journal
Behavioral Sciences and the Law Volume: 16 Issue: 4 Dated: Autumn 1998 Pages: 407-422
Date Published
1998
Length
16 pages
Annotation
The Mental Health Liaison Program developed and used by the U.S. Secret Service is presented as a model for comprehensive, multidimensional interactions between law enforcement and mental health systems, with particular focus on assessing and preventing violent behavior.
Abstract
The structure of the program pairs psychologist and psychiatrist consultants with Secret Service field offices to provide: (1) consultation regarding risk assessment and case management of individuals who threaten or display inappropriate interest in the President or other protectees; (2) training for Secret Service agents in risk assessment, mental illness, and mental health care issues; and (3) liaison activities between the Secret Service and the mental health community. Practical benefits of the program are discussed to encourage more systematic use of broad-based psychological and psychiatric consultation to law enforcement, with a goal of enhanced communication and collaboration. The need for program evaluation and outcome research is examined in the context of applying the model to improve other law enforcement and mental health system interactions. 27 references