Cops and compassion resources

CrossCurrents

Canadian National Committee for Police/Mental Health Liaison, www.pmhl.ca/en/index.html

The CNCPMHL is dedicated to identifying and finding solutions for people with mental health issues who come to the attention of the police. Issues of concern to the group include:

training for police in understanding mental illness
effective liaison models
training for mental health professionals related to working with the criminal justice system
partnerships between correctional facilities, mental health facilities and the police
research and data collection mechanisms to support the development of best practices
less lethal uses of force
effective mental health legislation

The CNCPMHL also hosts the annual Psychiatrists in Blue conference and runs a listserv discussion group for police officers and mental health professionals who work with police. To subscribe, visit the web site.

Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division, Mental Health and Police Project, www.cmha.bc.ca/advocacy/police

The CMHA BC web site provides extensive resources about police and mental health. The association’s 2003 research report, Study in Blue and Grey – Police Interventions with People with Mental Illness: A Review of Challenges and Responses, can be downloaded from the site. The site also provides information about the Building Capacity: Mental Health and Police Project. In 2005, with funding from the Provincial Health Services Authority and the Vancouver Foundation, CMHA BC launched a six-month pilot project with six B.C. communities to identify areas for improvement and develop action plans around the link between police and mental health services and systems. This year, the project will post a guide for communities that may wish to develop a similar project. The site will also feature an international clearinghouse of information on police/mental health issues, in addition to its existing fact sheets.

Hema Zbogar