Essential Elements of Specialized Police Responses: Police, Mental Health Advocates, and Others React to Draft Version

On behalf of the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), CSG staff recently conducted a web forum to collect comments on a draft report that identifies and explains the essential elements of specialized police-based responses to people with mental illnesses. Through the web forum, reviewers helped ensure that the document reflects real-world experience and speaks to the particular concerns and circumstances facing different jurisdictions.

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Over 200 law enforcement professionals, mental health service providers, consumers and their family members, researchers, and policymakers participated in the forum. Reviewers indicated whether they agreed the element in discussion is essential, a part of their program, and described clearly in the document. They also had an opportunity to provide comments about their experiences and opinions on these critical issues.

For each of the elements, nearly 90 percent of reviewers said they strongly or somewhat agreed that the elements should be considered essential. Notably, however, many reviewers expressed doubt that certain elements were present in their program. Many of the comments also suggested important, useful improvements to document language and explanations. With this feedback, CSG staff are currently working on an updated draft of the document, which is scheduled for release in January 2007, and will send out an announcement when the draft is available.

The essential elements document is one in a series of resources available through BJA’s Law Enforcement/Mental Health Partnership Program, coordinated by CSG and the Police Executive Research Forum. Other resources include a trainer’s toolkit, centered around a core curriculum; an online inventory of specialized response programs and supplemental information; and case studies describing how agencies can provide statewide support to local specialized programs. To learn more about the Partnership Program, click here or contact Laura Draper.