The More Things Change, The More Things Change: Assessing Police Officer Response to Deflection Programs

• In Event: Implementing Deflection Based Approaches in Police Response to Substance Use and Mental Health Issues

Abstract

As communities change their expectations of what police can and should do in the face of high overdose, homelessness and mental health issues manifesting in their jurisdictions, police are being asked to take on new tasks and change their approach to old ones. Officer response to changing approaches ranges from enthusiastic embracing to staunch resistance. Using an implementation science framework, this presentation draws on data from surveys and interviews with police officers to assess how front-line officers are adapting to new programs. A specific focus on the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of program interventions is assessed. Surveys were conducted with police in Delaware in 2022 and 2204, and a series of qualitative interviews with officers were conducted in 2024-25. The impact of leadership on how officers respond to changing duties is assessed as are officer and department characteristics. Discussion centers on institutional change, moving from departmental response to community needs/pressure, to adaptation by leadership, to acceptance by officers and cultural change

Authors

• Daniel J. O'Connell, Center for Drug and Health Studies, University of Delaware

• Emalie Rell, University of Delaware

• Ellen Donnelly, University of Delaware

• Jullianne Regalado, Center for Drug and Health Studies, University of Delaware