BEYOND CRISIS INTERVENTION: LESSONS FROM PSYCHIATRIC CARE TO REDUCE POLICE USE OF FORCE INVOLVING PERSONS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS

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Authors
Cullen, Andrew L.
Subjects
mental health
force
de-escalation
training
conflict
use of force
Crisis Intervention Training
CIT
UOF
persons with mental illness
mental illness
PMI
Advisors
Bellavita, Christopher
Aten, Kathryn J.
Date of Issue
2024-09
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
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Abstract
This thesis examines how police departments can reduce the use of force (UOF) with persons with mental illness (PMI). Police have widely implemented crisis intervention training (CIT) to improve outcomes, especially the aim of reducing UOF with PMI. This research begins with a systematic narrative analysis of existing literature on the effectiveness of CIT. Despite its success in enhancing officer confidence and improving PMI identification and referral, it has not decreased UOF incidents. The thesis then reviews the literature on seclusion and restraint (SR) reduction strategies in juvenile psychiatric care, as mental health care workers sometimes use force with PMI. Through a comparative systems analysis, this study identifies practices that led psychiatric facilities to reduce SR and provides a model for CIT improvements. Finally, this thesis recommends police departments improve data collection practices, UOF reporting, and PMI custody policies. These recommendations address the complexities of police interactions with PMI and aim for a more humane and effective response model.
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Thesis
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https://hdl.handle.net/10945/73306
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Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.
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