Crisis Response Model Preferences of Mental Health Care Clients with Prior Misdemeanor Arrests and of their Family and Friends
Abstract
The overrepresentation of people with serious mental illnesses in the criminal legal system has spurred the development of crisis response models to improve or reduce police response to people in crisis. However, limited research exists about people’s preferences for crisis response and no research in the U.S. looks at the responses desired by mental health consumers or their family members. This study aimed to understand the experiences of people with serious mental illnesses interacting with police and to learn about their preferences among crisis response models. Researchers conducted interviews with 50 clients with serious mental illnesses and a history of arrest who are enrolled in a randomized, controlled trial of a police-mental health linkage system, as well as 18 of their family members or friends. Data were coded using deductive and inductive approaches and grouped into larger themes. Clients and family/friends described needing a calm environment and empathy during crisis. They named a non-police response as their first choice and Crisis Intervention Team response as their last choice among four options, highlighting the importance of trained responders and past negative interactions with police. However, they also noted concerns about safety and raised shortcomings of a non-police response. Findings build understanding about consumers’ and family members’ preferences for crisis response and highlight concerns relevant for policymakers.
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