NCJ Number
77233
Journal
New Directions for Mental Health Services Volume: 3 Dated: (1979) Pages: 73-83
Date Published
1979
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article explores the role of mental health consultants within police departments and discusses some of the areas in which mental consultants are being used within those departments.
Abstract
Collaboration between police administrators and mental health consultants is becoming more acceptable, despite continuing mutual suspicion and stereotyping. The use of in-house consultants in police work has been a growing phenomenon over the past 10 years. In-house consultants have some advantages over outside consultants since they have a greater degree of access and acceptance. However, confidentiality which is the cornerstone of a successful mental health program may be more difficult to maintain for an in-house consultant. Consultants, whether in-house or outside, usually become involved in both primary and secondary prevention activities. Some of the areas of their involvement include candidate selection, police officer counseling and therapy, training, research, and organizational stress consultations. Behavioral scientists should also seek to help the police deal with the rising emphasis on patient deinstitutionalization, child abuse, and spouse abuse. Consultants are also employed when the need arises for the use of hypnosis with volunteer witnesses and victims of major crimes, during hostage situations, and when requests for psychological profiles of suspects in bizarre homicides are made. Problems which arise from the use of mental health consultants include lack of resources, maintenance of neutrality between unions and administration, and provision of adequate evaluation and cost-effectiveness studies in research projects. A list of 46 references is appended.