Date of Conferral

11-15-2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Scott Gfeller

Abstract

Law enforcement officers (LEOs) often find themselves responding to mental health crises that are gray area situations that neither clearly warrant arrest nor hospitalization but still require intervention. This qualitative study involved addressing the critical issue of how patrol-level officers in California manage such crises despite limited mental health training and restrictive legal frameworks. The study involved filling a gap in literature by focusing on nuanced challenges officers face in these situations, rather than use of force or racial disparities. Grounded in Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological model, the research involved exploring lived experiences of six patrol-level officers using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Analysis revealed key themes such as the emotional burden of repeated exposure to mental health crises, frustration with limitations due to legal and policy constraints, and lack of resources such as co-response teams. Findings suggest the need for enhanced mental health support for the subject experiencing the mental health crisis and officers alike, expanded use of co-response teams, and legal reforms for greater flexibility when handling mental health calls. Implications for positive social change include promoting multi-systemic reforms to better support officers and improve outcomes for individuals in mental health crises, ultimately leading to safer and more compassionate law enforcement interventions.

Download

Share

 
COinS