Other models for crisis response

CrossCurrents

Various crisis intervention models exist. Currently, there is no evidence that any one model works better than any other. The Canadian National Committee for Police/Mental Health Liaison identifies various factors that come into play – size of the police service, available mental health resources, geographical area served, previous training of officers, existing internal expertise, police and mental health services commitment of time and money, relative size of the problem and pre-existing hospital/police relationships. Although there is no clear answer, there are options that can be used alone or in combination:

Comprehensive advanced response model. All police officers receive training related to working with individuals with mental illness. All members have an increased level of knowledge and understanding and are expected to be able to handle most situations.

Mental health professionals co-response model, e.g. Montreal, Quebec. Police have a working agreement with mental health agencies, in which mental health workers attend a crisis after police have responded and assessed the situation.

Crisis intervention team, e.g., Memphis, Tennessee. Designated police officers receive extensive training in mental health issues. They are assigned to other duties, such as traffic patrol, but can be pulled away when needed.

Telephone consultation, e.g. remote areas of British Columbia. Probably most effective in rural and remote areas where mental health resources are scarce. Police can call a toll-free number to a mental health unit or hospital psychiatry floor that is staffed around the clock to get advice for dealing with a crisis.

Source: www.pmhl.ca/en/together.html