Specialized Response Programs: Police Handling of Encounters Involving Persons With Mental Disorders
Year: 2005
Type: article
Abstract: The handling of persons with mental disorders by the police has long been considered a part of police work.However, reforms in laws regarding institutionalization and civil commitment have led to a steady increase in the number of contacts between persons with mental disorders and the police.Early research, high profile cases, and advocates for the welfare of persons with mental disorders cast doubt on the efficacy of police officers' abilities in handling these types of encounters.Police officers were accused of being inadequately trained on issues related to mental health as well as using arrest disproportionately to resolve encounters.As a result of these concerns, specialized response programs were developed to assist officers in handling persons with mental disorders.The research in this area has been limited but a number of studies have found support for certain types of programs.The current study uses data on two specialized response programs aimed at improving encounters between police officers and persons with mental disorders in the city of Cincinnati.The primary focus of this study is on whether the programs were necessary and officers' attitudes and utilization of programs.Findings indicate a significant positive relationship between training and officer attitudes.
Author: Shamir Ratansi
Institution: University of Cincinnati
Language: English
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: University of Cincinnati
OpenAlex ID: W2467902455