Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Criminal Justice

Advisor

Deborah Laufersweiler-Dwyer

Abstract

Law enforcement officers are guided by principles to protect and serve the community in general; this includes persons with mental health illnesses. These officers are often the sole community resource responding to calls involving persons in mental health crises. However, many officers lack the knowledge and skills to effectively interact with this group. This quantitative study addressed how law enforcement officers perceive that a selected policy, procedure, or strategy is effective for interacting with a person experiencing a mental health crisis. The theoretical framework for this study is the procedural justice theory. A convenience sample of 100 sworn law enforcement officers who were employed full-time was chosen for this study because time and economic factors made it most appropriate. To protect the confidentiality of the participants; the participants were recruited via convenience sampling through Facebook, law enforcement groups, LinkedIn, and direct solicitation using personal law enforcement contacts. Data collection required participants to respond to a series of statements on a web-based survey. Data in this study were analyzed using descriptive methods with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics were performed to answer the research question. Participants indicated the need to ensure sound policies, procedures, and strategies that prepare officers to interact with persons with mental illnesses. Also, participants perceived that officers should be required to participate in annual training provided by a licensed mental health practitioner. Findings may be used by police administrators for positive social change to improve training in dealing with mental health issues.

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