Why Police Are Struggling with Mental Health Emergencies: Discover Effective Solutions for Better Response

In emergencies, police are usually the first on the scene, but they often aren’t prepared for mental health crises. Recent reports have called for a change, suggesting that mental health professionals, not police, should lead these responses.

Some states, like South Australia, are trying a new approach. They are using a “co-responder” model. This means mental health specialists go alongside police during these incidents. It’s a step toward improving how we handle such delicate situations.

The Current Landscape

Currently, laws allow police to use “reasonable force” to take people with mental health issues to hospitals. Unfortunately, this often just means a trip to an already overwhelmed emergency room, where wait times can be long and the care inadequate.

In fact, studies show only about 23% of those taken to hospitals by police for mental health crises end up needing admission. The rest are left without the help they really need.

In New South Wales, police respond to mental health calls every nine minutes. In Victoria, it’s every ten minutes. This constant demand strains police resources and shows a growing need for change.

The Impact of Police Involvement

The presence of police can escalate tense situations. Many officers lack proper training in mental health, which can lead to further complications. Research has found that about one in ten people using mental health services has had prior interactions with law enforcement.

These encounters can be harmful. Those experiencing mental health challenges are often more likely to become involved in incidents of police force. Sadly, this can lead to criminal charges rather than the support they truly need.

What People Want

In interviews with 20 individuals who had police involvement during mental health crises, many shared their traumatic experiences. They reported feeling more harm than help from police interventions, including unnecessary use of force like pepper spray and handcuffs.

Many expressed a desire for ambulance-led responses instead of police involvement. They want connections to community-based services that offer genuine support, such as mental health peer support and housing assistance.

Understanding Co-Responder Programs

Co-responder programs aim to calm mental health crises and reduce trips to emergency departments by involving mental health clinicians alongside police. Research shows these programs can be more effective than traditional methods.

For instance, a study of a co-response program in Victoria found quicker and higher-quality responses than when police acted alone. Similar programs in the U.S. and Canada demonstrate that health workers can often manage mental health crises without police involvement, helping to reduce arrests and prevent further complications.

The Resource Challenge

Despite their potential, co-responder programs often face resource shortages. They might not be available outside business hours or in all regions. Evaluations of these programs are also limited, making it hard to gauge their long-term effectiveness.

Australia’s mental health sector is struggling, with significant labor shortages making it difficult to implement successful programs on a broader scale.