NCJ Number
157033
Date Published
1995
Length
163 pages
Annotation
The relationship between mentally ill persons and the law enforcement community in California is explored.
Abstract
This publication contains the results of a study that examines what strategies should be used by law enforcement for managing mentally ill persons by the year 2004. Projected increases in contacts between mentally ill persons and police officers warrant that law enforcement respond with strategies for dealing with these encounters. Policy recommendations emphasize the development of protocols for handling mentally ill prisoners; the development of specially trained law enforcement teams for managing contacts with mentally ill in the field; and increasing officer safety and minimizing liability through training. A model strategic plan is presented that includes the development of a intervention team that pairs police officers with mental health professionals to respond to mentally ill related calls in the field. Findings detailed in a journal article are supported by a technical report. A bibliography is included. Appendixes contain a list of selected trends in the handling of the law enforcement/mentally ill relationship and a list of selected significant events addressing aspects of this relationship. Illustrations are contained throughout the publication.