Implementing Deflection Based Approaches in Police Response to Substance Use and Mental Health Issues

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

America has responded to various substance use epidemics by utilizing a plethora of approaches, ranging from mandatory sentences resulting in long prison sentences to outright legalization. Additionally, recognition is growing of the extent to which policework involves encountering people with mental illness (PWMI). Recent efforts by police have teamed officers with health care workers to deflect people away from system involvement though referral to treatment and support services. By focusing on the SAMHSA Sequential Intercept Model zero (community services) and one (law enforcement) intercepts, these approaches both keep people from going deeper into the criminal legal system and free officers to focus on activities more commonly associated with law enforcement, as well as (hopefully) directing them to appropriate care. Through a series of projects funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Delaware has implemented several deflection related projects in both large and small police departments. This panel utilizes quantitative and qualitative data to investigate three different elements related to deflection: 1) utilizing 911 call centers to divert people to MH clinicians rather than to police, 2) implementing a community-based hub to solve problems, and 3) assessing officer reaction to deflection approaches. Models are described, data presented, recommendations made and discussion encouraged

Sub Unit

• Area VI. The Criminal Justice System / 43. Police Strategies, Interventions, and Evaluations

Individual Presentations

• Evaluating a 911 Dispatch Diversion Program for Behavioral Health Calls - Ellen Donnelly, University of Delaware; Daniel J. O'Connell, Center for Drug and Health Studies, University of Delaware; Jullianne Regalado, Center for Drug and Health Studies, University of Delaware

• The Hub: A Look at the City of Newark (DE) Police Department’s Utilization of Community Support in Providing a Holistic Approach to Diversion - Kevin Feeney, Deputy Chief of Police, Newark Police Department; Jay Conover, Crime Analysis/Criminal Intelligence, Newark, DE Police Department; Kimberly Kirk, Delaware Criminal Justice Council

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

Chair

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

Discussant

• Valarie Tickle, Center for Drug and Health Studies, University of Delaware

Organized by a Division or external group?

We would like the panel to be sponsored by the Division on Policing. We have notified the Chair. Thanks.