This web forum is meant to advance the discussion on how communities can improve the criminal justice response to people with mental illnesses at the point of first contact—encounters with law enforcement. The text articulates ten essential elements for any specialized police-based response.
Through the web forum, you can provide feedback in order to inform a new draft of the "Essential Elements" document. The Web forum provides you a platform to express your agreement / disagreement with each of the ten elements; identify elements that may be missing; or argue that some of these elements are unrealistic.
. To learn more about the elements, including how your feedback will be used,
| Element Title |
Element Description |
Community Responses |
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The law enforcement agency's policies, practices, and culture support the specialized response program and the personnel who further its goals.
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Not Responded
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Data are collected and analyzed to help demonstrate program impact and to inform modifications to the program. Support for the program is continuously cultivated in the community and police department.
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Not Responded
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Call takers and dispatchers identify critical information to direct calls to the appropriate responders, inform the law enforcement response, and record this information for analysis and as a reference for future calls for service.
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Not Responded
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Law enforcement and mental health personnel have a well-designed procedure governing the release and exchange of information to facilitate appropriate communication while protecting the confidentiality of community members.
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Not Responded
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Specialized police-based response programs connect individuals with mental illnesses to comprehensive and effective community-based treatment supports and services.
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Not Responded
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Police responders transport and transfer custody of the person with a mental illness in a safe and sensitive manner that supports the individual's efficient access to mental health services and the officers' timely return to duty.
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Not Responded
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Specialized police responders de-escalate incidents in which mental illness may be a factor using safety-focused tactics and drawing on mental health training and expertise.
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Not Responded
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Officers assess the nature of the incident and, drawing on their understanding and knowledge of relevant legal issues and available resources, determine the appropriate disposition for the person with a mental illness.
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Not Responded
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Law enforcement personnel receive specialized and comprehensive training if they are responsible for responding to incidents in which an individual's mental illness appears to be a factor.
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Not Responded
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Organizations and individuals affected by police encounters with people with mental illnesses work together in one or more multidisciplinary groups; the purpose of these groups is to determine the response program's characteristics and guide implementation efforts.
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Not Responded
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