An emphasis on deinstitutionalization, combined with inadequate aftercare for the mentally ill, has resulted in increased community problems and more frequent police interactions with the mentally disabled. A 1983 survey of 172 police agencies and visits to 7 sites indicate that most departments are not preparing their officers to handle such cases. Training (recruit and inservice) is inadequate, written policies and procedures provide insufficient guidance, and operational procedures are ill-defined or undefined. Three exceptions to this generalization are the use of special mental health deputies in Galveston, Tex.; comprehensive training of Madison, Wisc., police officers; and cooperation between police and a 24-hour emergency social services program in Birmingham, Ala. Improved police response to the mentally disabled will require improved policies and procedures, provision of adequate training, and liaison with the mental health community. Appendixes provide information on involuntary commitment statutes and mental disabilities and additional recommendations. An annotated listing of training films and reading materials also is provided. Approximately 180 references.
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