Public Perceptions of the Role of Law Enforcement in Mental Health Crises

• In Event: Neurocriminological Factors for Antisocial Behaviors and Their Implications

Abstract

In the US, law enforcement officers commonly serve as first responders for mental health crisis treatment. However, there is debate about whether law enforcement should intervene, as their discretionary actions may impact the well-being of others, particularly those with suicidality. Using a national sample of 2087 respondents, this study explores how lived experiences of suicidality and criminality influences perceptions of the role of law enforcement in mental health crises. Preliminary analyses suggest differences in perception of the role of law enforcement in mental health crises among those who have a history of suicide attempts compared to those who do not. However, there are no differences in perception among those who had a family die by suicide compared to those who did not. Similarly, those who reported that they or a close immediate family member had a criminal record did not differ in their perception of the role of law enforcement in mental health crises compared to those who did not. Implications and future directions will be discussed.

Authors

• Jasmine Huerta, California State University, Los Angeles

• Shichun Ling, California State University, Los Angeles