Introduction
Mental health illnesses are definitely becoming more common and a huge concern in today’s society. Sometimes law enforcement officials will be called on for assistance in certain situations that may involve an individual that is mentally ill. Law enforcement is working to try and increase favorable outcomes in situations such as these.
Overview of Law Enforcement Dealing With Mental Health Cases
History has shown that many encounters between law enforcement and mentally ill persons can be time consuming and can be extremely complicated to resolve. On some occasions these encounters have been the cause of death or injury for the mentally ill person or the law enforcement official. There are efforts being made amongst law makers and officials that will hopefully enhance safety and make these encounters less detrimental to those involved.
A person who is mentally ill is often in need of some sort of mental health services. These mental health cases can cause a great deal of stress for law enforcement officials. Putting them in a position to get the help and supportive services they need is one of the big changes that are in the works. No one wants a negative encounter if it can be avoided. This also applies to law enforcement officials. They don’t want to see anyone hurt or killed, nor do they want to be the victim of work related injuries or possibly even death.
The efforts being made will hopefully result in compromises that will ensure the safety of everyone involved should a law enforcement official have an encounter with someone who is mentally ill. Mental health cases are beginning to be viewed as a more serious issue than they once were.
Resolutions
Although it’s not an everyday occurrence, law enforcement officials will sometimes have to cope with encounters that involve mental health cases. Many times, these encounters are repeat situations because the mentally ill person has unresolved issues. It’s not uncommon for them to have never received supportive services for their problem.
Encounters with mentally ill persons generally consist of the law enforcement official speaking with the person on the scene. The majority of these encounters are completed without the need to place anyone under arrest. It’s understood that sometimes community resources are definitely a need when there are situations involving mental health cases.
When a law enforcement official is faced with these sometimes unpleasant encounters, they will generally try to find the necessary resources in order to help the mentally ill individual. In order for them to do this, they must have access to mental health supports and services. Most area law enforcement administrative offices have a contact list available that can be used for such situations.
The ultimate goal in mental health cases is to see the instances of these encounters decline. This will help reduce costs for the law enforcement agencies and help reduce the number of mentally ill persons within the criminal justice system.
This is something that must be handled within the community and on local levels. Statewide resources are also available but law enforcement officials must maintain access to the community resources that are available. This enables them to be able to connect these mentally ill persons to the supportive services they need. This is a necessity that cannot be overlooked when faced with mental health cases.
In cooperation with local governments and law enforcement agencies, most mental health facilities make their listings known within the community. This is how administrative officials provide the missing link that mentally ill persons have not had access to prior to their encounter with law enforcement.
Working together for resolve is the final goal and when communities bond together, it is possible for these individuals to receive the services they need and keep them out of the criminal justice system by following through with appropriate treatment options that are introduced to them.
Tips and Comments
Mental health cases can involve individuals that could have a serious mental illness or even multiple illnesses that can change their reactions and thoughts.
