What types of strategies have communities implemented to improve outcomes of police responses to people with mental illnesses?
Various models of specialized police responses to people with mental illnesses are emerging in communities across the country. Some police departments intensively train a cadre of officers who provide a first response to all calls in which mental illness is believed to be a factor and improve safety by using crisis de-escalation skills. Others pair law enforcement and mental health professionals to provide a second response and connect these individuals with community-based mental health services more effectively. Two resources explore the similarities and differences among these program models. The TAPA Center monograph, A Guide to Implementing Police-Based Diversion Programs for People with Mental Illness, describes these program models, identifies common program characteristics, details implementation steps, and offers lessons learned. The Consensus Project Report looks generally at each of the different steps of a police encounter with a person with mental illness and offers recomm
