Policing the Mentally Ill

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses the assertions that police treatment of the mentally ill is based on stereotypes, prejudice and a general lack of understanding of the complexity of mental illness. The paper considers this in light of reports that are indicative of increased police awareness and improved methodologies when dealing with these individuals. The paper explores the literature and shows how, while appropriate and necessary discretion in dealing with the mentally ill is emphasized, it is an area that has not been adequately addressed in terms of training. The paper explains the obstacles and problems relating to the interaction between police and the emotionally ill and concludes that more research is needed to establish the extent of the problem and the most appropriate procedures to deal with it from a policing point of view.

Outline:
Introduction
Overview
The Realities of Policing the Homeless Mentally Ill
The Expansion of Policing Functions
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The need for research into the intersection between policing responsibilities and chronic mentally ill Individuals is evidenced by the various prevalent areas of concern in this relationship, as it presently exists. As this section will discuss, while there are some practical and commonly accepted modes and methods within police protocol to deal with the problem of the mentally ill and particularly the homeless, this has not been refined or become integrated sufficiently to provide a fully comprehensive strategy and set of protocols to deal fully with the situation.
"There are also many assertions that police treatment of the homeless and mentally ill is based in stereotypes, prejudice and a general lack of understanding of the complexity of mental illness. There is also the allegation that police arrests have exacerbated the problem in some cases through the increase of mentally disabled persons in prisons."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Badawi, C. (2002, Spring). Officer Joel Fay Helps Mentally Ill Homeless People Get off the Street and into Care. Whole Earth 26+. Retrieved February 4, 2008, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5000736701
• Bittner E. ( 1967) Police Discretion in Emergency Apprehension of Mentally Ill Persons. Social Problems, 14 (3), pp. 278-292
• Community Policing. Retrieved January 2, 2008, from http://safestate.org/index.cfm?navID=7
• Community Policing Philosophy. Retrieved January 2, 2008, fromhttp://publicsafety.binghamton.edu/cops.htm
• Emsley, C. (1999, April). The Origins of the Modern Police. History Today, 49, 8. Retrieved February 4, 2008, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001248230

More papers on Policing the Mentally Ill:

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