In recent months, several sheriff's departments in California have begun to refuse responses to 911 calls that involve individuals experiencing mental health crises, unless a crime is occurring or someone else is in imminent danger.This trend has been notably led by Sacramento Sheriff Jim Cooper, who announced in February that his deputies would only respond to such calls under specific conditions.
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theguardian.comtradeoffs.orgThe decision to limit police involvement in mental health situations stems from a growing recognition of the risks associated with police interactions during these crises.Data indicates that a significant portion of police killings in the US involve individuals suffering from mental health issues.Between 2015 and 2024, police shot and killed at least 274 people in California who were experiencing mental health crises, the highest number of any state.
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theguardian.comppic.orgSheriff Cooper's policy reflects a broader movement across the country, where over 100 communities have started sending mental health professionals instead of armed police to certain 911 calls.Cooper stated, "We wear the badge, we carry the gun.We deal with crime, not mental health crises," emphasizing the need to separate law enforcement from mental health interventions.
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tradeoffs.orgcalmatters.orgThe shift has sparked discussions about the adequacy of alternative response systems.While some law enforcement agencies, like the Ventura County Sheriff's Office and Long Beach Police Department, continue to respond to all calls, they may not remain on the scene if no crime is occurring and the individual in crisis does not pose a threat to others.
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theguardian.comAdvocates for mental health reform argue that the presence of police can escalate situations rather than de-escalate them.For instance, El Cajon Police Chief Jeremiah Larson noted that police involvement can sometimes worsen a crisis, stating, "Sometimes just the mere presence of a police officer can escalate a situation." Instead, his department has begun to connect callers with mental health resources, such as the 988 crisis hotline, which has been effective in diffusing crises in over 90% of cases.
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theguardian.comtradeoffs.orgThe decision to limit police responses is also influenced by tragic incidents where police interactions have led to fatal outcomes.For example, the case of Ray Anthony Scott, a man with schizophrenia who died after police attempted to apprehend him, has been cited as a catalyst for change in how law enforcement approaches mental health crises.
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theguardian.comDespite the positive intentions behind these policy changes, concerns remain about the potential gaps in community support.Many areas lack the necessary infrastructure to provide adequate mental health responses.As Le Ondra Clark Harvey, CEO of the California Behavioral Health Association, pointed out, "Some communities don't have a mental health response team, they don't have funding, they don't have the infrastructure." This highlights the need for comprehensive training for all first responders, including police, fire, and emergency medical technicians, to handle mental health crises effectively.
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theguardian.comppic.orgThe growing consensus among mental health advocates is that mental illness should be treated as a health issue rather than a criminal one.A recent Ipsos poll indicated that 86% of Americans believe that individuals experiencing a mental health crisis should receive a mental health response rather than a law enforcement one.
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tradeoffs.orgAs California continues to refine its approach to mental health crises, the implementation of programs like the Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT) in San Diego County demonstrates the potential for successful collaboration between mental health professionals and law enforcement.PERT clinicians have been shown to effectively de-escalate situations and connect individuals to appropriate resources.
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theguardian.comHowever, the transition to a system where mental health professionals take the lead in crisis situations is not without challenges.The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) emphasizes the need for a robust mental health crisis response system, which includes 24/7 call centers and non-law enforcement first responders.Many communities are still in the early stages of developing these essential services.
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tradeoffs.orgcalmatters.orgIn conclusion, the decision by California sheriffs to limit their responses to mental health crises marks a significant shift in how these situations are handled.While the intent is to reduce the risks associated with police involvement, the effectiveness of this approach will depend on the availability of adequate mental health resources and support systems in the community.As the landscape of mental health crisis response evolves, ongoing evaluation and adaptation will be crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in distress.
