Operational response: Policing persons with mental illness in Australia
Article
Article Title | Operational response: Policing persons with mental illness in Australia |
---|---|
ERA Journal ID | 16990 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Miles-Johnson, Toby (Author) and Morgan, Matthew (Author) |
Journal Title | Journal of Criminology |
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology | |
Journal Citation | 55 (2), pp. 260-281 |
Number of Pages | 22 |
Year | 2022 |
Place of Publication | United Kingdom |
ISSN | 0004-8658 |
1837-9273 | |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1177/26338076221094385 |
Web Address (URL) | https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/26338076221094385 |
Abstract | Across the globe, policing persons with mental illness (PWMI) in crisis involves significant police work. Police must respond effectively to individuals whose behaviour and language are often erratic, and who may be intoxicated or experiencing psychosis. In Australia, police are often criticised for inappropriately handling mental health crises in the community and for differentially policing PWMI in crisis. To better understand Australian police response to PWMI in crisis, this study conducted interviews with 25 operational police officers working in one of the largest Australian state police organisations. The findings indicate that police response to PWMI in crisis is underpinned by trial-and-error practices, because officers are insufficiently trained to manage PWMI in crisis, and police are resistant to accept tasks considered ‘welfare work’. Officers are also relieved when response to PWMI in crisis includes mental health practitioners. We argue that whilst the availability of interagency schemes in Australia is generally restricted to metropolitan areas, effective policing response to PWMI in crisis should include a collaborative response between police and mental health practitioners. |
Keywords | Co-response, mental illness, policing, response, training |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 440204. Crime and social justice |
440211. Police administration, procedures and practice | |
Public Notes | Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions. |
Byline Affiliations | University of Western Sydney |
Queensland Univeristy of Technology | |
Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q7436/operational-response-policing-persons-with-mental-illness-in-australia
85
total views4
total downloads3
views this month0
downloads this month