Understanding LAPD’s Response to Mental Health Calls: What You Need to Know

The Los Angeles City Controller’s Office recently revealed concerns about how police handle mental health crisis calls. It turns out that uniformed officers are often the first to respond, rather than specialized mental health teams. This approach might not be the best way to support those in crisis.

L.A. City Controller Kenneth Mejia stated that the LAPD should update its policies to let the Systemwide Mental Assessment Response Teams, or SMART units, take charge during these incidents when weapons aren’t involved. Mejia believes this could lead to better outcomes for individuals experiencing mental health issues.

SMART teams comprise armed officers along with mental health clinicians. Their goal is to de-escalate potentially volatile situations and reduce the chances of violence. However, according to Dinah Manning, a senior advisor at the Controller’s Office, patrol officers still make the critical decisions on the scene. This can create a disconnect. “The current system requires a police-first response, which limits the ability of mental health professionals to effectively engage,” Manning explains.

This shift in approach comes after some troubling incidents. In January 2023, the LAPD fatally shot three men with known mental health issues during a 48-hour period. One victim, Takar Smith, had a history of schizophrenia. Officers were called to his apartment when he was reportedly armed with a kitchen knife. After a failed attempt to communicate and a Taser deployment, officers opened fire when he reached for the knife. Many questions arose about whether the situation could have been handled in a non-lethal way.

A report from the Controller’s Office noted that, from 2017 to 2023, 31% of police shootings involved individuals perceived to have mental health challenges. This statistic highlights the urgency of revisiting how these calls are managed.

The assessment also found a gap in training for officers working with SMART units. Currently, there’s no requirement for them to undergo specialized mental health training beyond the basic 36 hours offered to all recruits. Manning emphasized that more training could lead to better outcomes in crisis situations.

To address these challenges, the Controller’s Office recommended several important steps:

• Establish a system to track the effectiveness of SMART units in mental health call responses.
• Require additional training for SMART officers to keep them updated on best practices.
• Support initiatives like the Unarmed Model of Crisis Response, which sends unarmed clinicians to nonviolent calls.

With methodical changes, there’s hope for a more compassionate response to mental health crises, benefiting both individuals in need and the communities they reside in.

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