In the summer of 2022, Chase Higgins, a police officer from Opelika, received a call about an elderly woman who hadn’t been responding to her family. Concerned for her safety, another officer had gone to check on her but was unable to make contact. She wouldn’t open the door, fearful that people were watching her.
After waiting for about 15 minutes, the officer called Higgins, seeking advice. They could have left it there or taken her on other charges to ensure she had a safe place for the night. However, Higgins noted that this has often been the default response for law enforcement in the past.
Fortunately, the Opelika Police Department was starting a new program focused on mental health. This initiative aims to divert calls related to mental health crises and provide essential resources instead of just detaining individuals.
Many people in Alabama struggle with mental health issues, and about 20% to 30% of police calls are related to these crises. This number is on the rise. A report revealed a concerning statistic: around 14% of inmates in prisons have mental health issues, compared to just 4% of the general adult population in the U.S. This imbalance puts a strain on jails and hospitals, often leading to dangerous situations for both officers and individuals in crisis.
Currently, Alabama lacks regulations on how law enforcement should address mental health issues. Each county operates independently, deciding how to handle health care in their jails. This lack of oversight can lead to inconsistent treatment and care.
Experts suggest that jails are not suitable environments for those struggling with mental health crises. Instead, they advocate for alternative responses, including specialized training for police officers to better handle such situations. This training emphasizes empathy and communication, helping officers to connect with those in distress and calm potentially volatile situations.
A school resource officer, Nicholas Holman, shared how understanding and validating feelings can significantly help in crisis situations. He recalled a time he talked someone off a bridge simply by listening and offering compassion.
To further improve responses, some regions are exploring mobile crisis teams. These teams consist of mental health professionals who can respond to emergencies alongside law enforcement when required. For instance, Birmingham has a mental health crisis center where specialists can often resolve situations over the phone, reducing the need for police presence. In some cases, dispatchers can direct calls to mental health professionals instead of sending police officers.
New Orleans has developed a crisis intervention system, dispatching a dedicated mental health team for specific calls. This allows police to focus on situations that truly require their expertise. The system has shown promise, with reports indicating that nearly half of mental health calls did not involve any public safety threat.
In Opelika, officers like Higgins are called to assess mental health situations. Their goal is to help individuals and connect them with the necessary resources. In one such case, Higgins and his team worked closely with a mobile crisis unit to reach out to the elderly woman. They continued visiting her until she eventually opened the door and received the help she needed. Thanks to their persistence, she was able to return to health and reconnect with her family.
This story highlights the importance of understanding and addressing mental health issues in our communities, showcasing how proactive approaches can save lives.
Check out this related article: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Takes on Crucial Vote for Health Secretary Confirmation: What You Need to Know
Source linkDistress,Health care,Law enforcement,Law enforcement policies,Mental health,Police,public health
