Communities across the country are facing an increased need for assistance to successfully respond and intervene to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. The role of law enforcement has evolved over recent years, expanding from responding to criminal activity to now also responding to community members who may be experiencing a mental health or behavioral health crisis, regardless of whether there is a criminal nexus. With this changing responsibility, law enforcement agencies should assess their policies, procedures, training, and partners to understand their role, understand the community's needs, and implement effective and appropriate practices to enhance positive intervention efforts.
The following toolkit highlights the components of the issue. Within each component, there is associated research, resources, and programs related to mental health and crisis intervention that agencies can use as they better understand the issues and how to address that issue positively. The components have been initially identified through key themes in Civil Rights Litigation recommendations but will continue to be expanded upon and added to in future iterations.
The information provided within these modules has been gathered from various sources, including consent decrees, research, and practitioner and department-developed resources. These webpage modules are intended to be a guide for departments to use to improve their Constitutional policing practices. Additional information and resources may be needed to implement the recommendations successfully. This resource is intended to be dynamic, and the Knowledge Lab will continue to update and add to these modules to provide additional and current guidance for departments.