Mental Health and Police-Related Deaths

• In Event: Data Sources on Police use of Force and Deaths That Occur in Police Custody

Abstract

Persons with a disability or who are in a mental health crisis may be at an elevated risk for police use of force. Using data collected as part of the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ Arrest-related Deaths Redesign Pilot Study, this presentation examines the prevalence and characteristics of incidents where persons die in the custody of police. Homicides and suicides are examined by variables related to decedent and officer actions during the event, decedent demographics, location, and select agency characteristics. Comparisons are to incidents not perceived to involve a mental health crisis.

Authors

• Michael Planty, RTI International

• Duren Banks, RTI International

• G. Lance Couzens, RTI International