Specialized Mental Health Crisis Response Activities Within US Law Enforcement Agencies

Abstract

Abstract Objective This study examines the prevalence of specialized police responses to persons experiencing a mental health crisis across U.S. law enforcement agencies and explores whether organizational and community factors are associated with their presence. Methods This study used 2020 data from a nationally representative survey of over 2,500 law enforcement agencies. The primary outcomes included whether agencies implemented one of four responses: (1) designated unit, (2) designated personnel, (3) addressed mental health without designated unit or personnel, or (4) did not address. Logistic regression models assessed factors associated with each response type. Results Over half (51.0%, n = 1,349) of agencies addressed mental health but lacked designated units or personnel, while 6.9% ( n = 183) did not specifically address mental health. Larger agencies, agencies located in urban areas, as well as those with external partnerships, and a higher number of use of force complaints were significantly more likely to designate a unit or personnel. Conclusions Fewer than half of law enforcement agencies have responses for mental health crises. Further research is needed to identify barriers and facilitators to adopting specialized responses, particularly among rural and under-resourced agencies.