Police Encounters and Crisis Intervention: Who Should Respond to Mental Health Crises?

The question of whether police officers should continue to respond to mental health crises, or whether these calls should instead be handled entirely by mental health professionals or specialized crisis teams, has become a central issue in criminal justice and public health discussions. Traditionally, law enforcement officers have been the first responders to nearly all emergencies, including psychiatric crises. However, growing awareness of the risks associated with this model has prompted calls for reform. While there are undeniable benefits to maintaining police involvement in certain high-risk situations, the evidence increasingly suggests that specialized mental health response teams are better suited to address most crises safely and effectively.

The Case for Police Involvement

            Police officers are often dispatched to mental health emergencies because of their wide availability and ability to respond quickly to unpredictable and potentially dangerous situations. In circumstances where there is an immediate threat of violence, possession of a weapon, or danger to bystanders, officers provide a level of security and control that unarmed mental health professionals cannot. From a practical standpoint, police departments are generally staffed 24/7, whereas specialized mental health services are not always accessible during nights, weekends, or in rural communities. In this sense, law enforcement offers a measure of reliability in emergency response.

          Additionally, in recent decades, many departments have attempted to improve outcomes through Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training, which educates officers on de-escalation strategies, psychiatric symptoms, and community resources. Proponents argue that with proper training, police can serve as both protectors of public safety and facilitators of mental health care. For instance, CIT-trained officers may divert individuals away from jails and into treatment facilities, reducing the criminalization of mental illness.

The Case Against Police as Primary Responders

          Despite these efforts, research and numerous tragic incidents highlight that police involvement can sometimes escalate, rather than de-escalate, a mental health crisis. Officers are trained primarily in law enforcement and control tactics rather than therapeutic intervention. This can lead to the misinterpretation of behaviors associated with psychiatric conditions, such as hallucinations, paranoia, or agitation. Encounters that begin as medical or psychological emergencies may quickly transform into criminal justice matters, leading to arrests, injuries, or even fatalities.

           Moreover, the presence of armed officers can heighten distress for individuals experiencing a crisis. For people with histories of trauma, incarceration, or mistrust of law enforcement, police involvement may exacerbate feelings of fear and confusion. Communities of color, in particular, often report disproportionate risks during these encounters, deepening racial and social inequities. Thus, reliance on police as the default responders risks reinforcing a cycle where mental illness is criminalized rather than treated.

Specialized Mental Health Crisis Teams

          Models such as CAHOOTS (Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets) in Eugene, Oregon, illustrate a viable alternative. These programs deploy teams of mental health professionals, social workers, and crisis counselors to respond to psychiatric emergencies. Their focus is on de-escalation, therapeutic communication, and connecting individuals with services. Studies of CAHOOTS and similar initiatives show significant reductions in unnecessary arrests, emergency room visits, and use of force. Importantly, these teams are able to resolve the majority of calls without requiring police backup, demonstrating that many crises can be managed effectively without law enforcement involvement.

          The benefits of this approach are numerous. First, it decriminalizes mental illness by shifting the response from punishment to treatment. Second, it builds community trust, since people may be more willing to call for help if they know the response will be supportive rather than punitive. Third, it is often cost-effective, as diverting cases away from jails and hospitals reduces the strain on public resources.

Risks of Removing Police Entirely

          Nevertheless, removing police entirely from mental health response is not without risk. Some crises do involve immediate threats to safety where the presence of law enforcement is necessary. Without proper coordination, unarmed mental health professionals could be placed in harm’s way. Additionally, many regions lack the funding, staffing, or infrastructure to support specialized teams around the clock. Transitioning to a health-centered response system requires not only financial investment but also time to build public awareness and inter-agency collaboration.

A Balanced Approach

          Ultimately, the most effective model may be a collaborative approach in which mental health professionals take the lead role, with law enforcement available as backup in rare but high-risk situations. This partnership allows crises to be addressed first and foremost as health emergencies, while still ensuring public safety when violence or danger is present. Expanding crisis intervention units, investing in community-based services, and strengthening coordination between health and justice systems can create a more humane and effective response model.

Conclusion

         In conclusion, while police officers may still play a necessary role in certain emergency situations, they should not be the default responders to mental health crises. Specialized crisis teams, trained in de-escalation and therapeutic intervention, are better equipped to provide care that prioritizes health, dignity, and safety. Removing law enforcement from the center of these situations reduces the risks of escalation, builds trust in communities, and directs individuals toward treatment rather than punishment. A balanced system that combines the expertise of mental health professionals with the backup support of law enforcement when absolutely necessary offers the most promising path forward.