Police Training for Crisis De-escalation and Mental Health Crisis Intervention

Police officers, through mandatory training, learn various techniques to manage and de-escalate situations involving individuals in mental health crises. While de-escalation techniques are critical in ensuring public safety, the level of training and the application of such techniques vary depending on the department and the circumstances at hand.

Requirements and Mandates in Police Academy Training

In every accredited police academy, de-escalation training is mandatory, and continuous in-service training often follows. However, the depth and duration of such training can differ significantly. For instance, if an individual in a mental health crisis poses an immediate threat to others or has access to means that can harm others, de-escalation techniques are typically deemed inappropriate. Only when sufficient time and space allow for it, these methods are deemed suitable.

Historical Context and Modern Rebranding

The concept of de-escalation has existed under different names, such as "verbal judo," which was prevalent a few decades ago. No significant changes to the underlying principles have occurred, merely a shift in terminology. The modern buzzword "de-escalation training" is simply a rebranding effort with little substantive change in the training content.

Basic Police Training and In-Service Development

While basic police training lacks substantial mandates for de-escalation techniques, the extent of in-service training is largely determined by individual departments. In my past experience, conducted in the UK, training was focused on identifying and addressing personal issues such as racism or homophobia, as well as assessing whether officers could assimilate new training or needed additional support. The assumption was that intelligent recruits would apply their common sense to new situations.

Training staff noted areas where individual officers had weaknesses and worked to provide them with guidance and support. Many colleagues were adept at understanding and applying new concepts when provided with direction and suggestions. Identifying and addressing personal issues was seen as crucial for maintaining effective and ethical policing.

The Reality of Practical Scenarios

Despite the training provided, dealing with individuals in mental health crises remains a significant challenge. There is a lack of structured systems to manage such incidents, and officers often face complex situations. For example, if someone is considered a threat to others due to a mental health condition, they can be taken to a hospital against their will under specific circumstances. However, many such resources are limited.

Individuals with severe mental health issues, particularly those who are not currently suicidal or a danger to others, remain on the streets. These individuals do not receive adequate care and are not the appropriate role for law enforcement. Only when their behavior leads to legal issues or complaints from the public do they come in contact with the police. Upon arrest, their defense attorneys may argue that the individuals are unfit to stand trial, leading to lengthy periods of detention while psychiatric evaluations are conducted and beds become available.

Once institutionalized, individuals often receive a combination of medications that eventually stabilize them. However, they may resume their medication regimen or mix them with illicit substances, thus necessitating the same process to be repeated. Police officers often find themselves in these situations, but they are well aware that their role is not to solve these complex issues. Instead, they are expected to ensure public safety until appropriate medical or social assistance can be arranged.

Conclusion

The training and practical application of de-escalation techniques for managing individuals in mental health crises vary significantly. Although structured training exists in police academies, it is often augmented by in-service training. However, the current systems and resources fail to adequately address many of these complex cases. Police officers must navigate these challenges while focusing on public safety, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to mental health crisis intervention.