Justice Center Publications
The publication explores the program design process, including detailed examples from several communities from across the country. It is meant to assist initiative leaders and agents of change who want to select or adapt program features from models that will be most effective in their communities. This project was coordinated by the Council of State Governments Justice Center with support from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, U.S. Department of Justice. (download)
Examines studies on law enforcement interactions with people with mental illnesses and translates the findings to help policymakers and practitioners develop safe and effective interventions. Supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, it reviews research on the scope and nature of the problem and on a range of law enforcement responses. (download)
Local Program Example
Boston Police Department Street Outreach Team
BPD's Street Outreach Team responds to the needs of the homeless, chronic substance abusers and individuals with mental illness. Working hand in hand with mental health and substance abuse treatment providers, shelters, and advocacy groups, the Street Outreach Team focuses on "high utilizers," the individuals who consume an enormous proportion of medical, social, psychiatric, police and other services.
Certified Crisis Responder Train the Trainer
We train police officers and mental health advocates to become trainers within their own agencies in order to provide officers with the skills to respond effectively to the mentally ill.
Media Clips
2/2/12 — "Two prominent mental health groups are recommending expanded police training on dealing with the mentally ill and development of new court diversion programs to provide care and treatment for those charged with low-level crimes."
11/20/11 — "San Francisco police will soon begin the first in a possible series of in-depth training sessions on how to deal with mentally ill or intoxicated people in crisis situations."