Mental illness is a serious public health challenge that is widely under-recognized. The statistics are sobering. According to the World Health Organization, one in every four people, or 25 percent of the population, develops one or more mental disorders at some stage in life. Furthermore, approxima
tely 40 percent of the people who are homeless in America suffer from serious and persistent mental illnesses (U.S. Conference of Mayors).
As a result of this reality, aggressive and often violent interactions between police officers and individuals with mental illness are becoming more common.
All too often, police officers only have a small amount of time in which to establish a communication mode that de-escalates a potentially volatile situation and reduces the risk of violence. Sadly, too many of these interactions end tragically.
A recent local incident resulted in the death of an individual with a medical diagnosis and documented history of suffering from paranoid schizophrenia. It is definitely understandable that officers need to protect their own safety, as well as the safety of those around them. However, if specialized training can reduce the potential for loss of life, it should be undertaken.
Agitated, not-yet-violent individuals can often be directed away from violence through the proper use of communication skills. Crisis Intervention Team courses are necessary that teach: 1) recognition of patterns of behavior which suggest mental illness, 2) strategic communication skills specific to such behaviors, and 3) techniques to de-escalate aggressive and agitated individuals.
The successful de-escalation of agitated mentally ill individuals in public view will increase respect for law enforcement among the general population. We will all benefit when we fully support our police officers with the best training available.
Keith Binkley
Mukilteo
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