Variables in mental health related police interactions

Abstract

Police and persons in mental health crisis (PMHC) come into frequent contact in Canada (Statistics Canada, 2021a); however, there is limited research examining these interactions within the Maritime Region. The current study examined 200 mental health related cases, including the review of both written police reports and body worn camera footage, from a New Brunswick police organization. The two primary research objectives included: 1) explore the frequency of the four main resolutions [no legal action, referral to community resources, Mental Health Act (MHA) apprehension, and arrest] as well as use of force (UOF), and 2) examine the predictive relationships between seven contextual variables (identity of the call initiator, a potential crime having been committed, the presence of a mental health clinician, the presence of a family member, the presence of a weapon, suspected drug or alcohol intoxication, and suicidal behaviour) and call resolution/UOF. It was found that no legal action was the most common resolution (51%) and arrest was the least common (5%), while UOF occurred in 29% of all cases and was primarily low-level force. A variety of contextual variables were found to have predictive relationships with call resolutions, such as the presence of a MCR clinician and a potential crime having been committed both increasing the likelihood of a MHA apprehension. These findings increase the current understanding on PMHC/officer interactions in an under researched region and highlight target areas for future diversion options and officer refreshment training.