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Final Research Assignment
By: April Felton
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Professor Wilson
May 5, 2024
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Abstract
The issue at hand is the engagement between police officers and
mentally ill individuals, particularly those at risk of suicide. Over the past
decade, mental health awareness has significantly improved across
communities, including law enforcement. Training for officers has become
more accessible, equipping them with the necessary skills to support
individuals with mental health challenges effectively. Encounters with
mentally ill persons are common for officers and can be complex,
necessitating specialized training. Without it, there is a risk to both the
officer and the person in crisis. Legally, officers are not required to prevent
suicide, but they often feel a moral duty to do so. However, intervening could
potentially lead to legal action for violating civil rights. Research shows
inconsistencies regarding law enforcement’s role in preventing self-harm.
Notably, the Emergency Aid Doctrine allows officers to enter a home if they
believe someone inside needs urgent help, regardless of their actual
motives. It is crucial to explore whether additional training for officers in
handling potential suicide situations is needed, or if a dedicated agency
should manage such cases.
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Introduction
Experiencing mental illness and having anxiety and depression is like being
scared and tired at the same time. It is the fear of failure but no urge to be
productive. It is wanting friends but hating socializing. It is wanting to be
alone but not wanting to be lonely. It is feeling everything at once then
feeling paralyzing numb. Law enforcement officers must be resilient due to
their profession. They have been both revered and criticized in various
communities across the United States. Often, they encounter perilous
situations early in the day, while many people are just starting their morning
routines. The occupation brings with it numerous stressors that are largely
unknown to the public. A significant challenge for these officers is to
separate their work life from their personal life, emphasizing that their
profession does not define their identity.
Police and Suicide Incidents
Law enforcement officers often grapple with work-related stress and PTSD,
which are prevalent symptoms within the profession. Agencies are actively
seeking ways to foster healthy coping mechanisms. The stress experienced
in the work environment is categorized into two types: operational and
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organizational. Operational stress includes factors affecting work-life
balance, such as overtime and off-duty work demands. Organizational stress
involves departmental pressures, like resource shortages and lack of support
from supervisors. The most significant organizational stressors reported
include staffing deficits, inconsistent leadership, bureaucratic obstacles,
resource scarcity, perceived inequities, and coworker interactions. On the
operational side, high stress levels are associated with exhaustion,
maintaining physical fitness, health concerns related to the job, limited
family time, and public criticism. Law enforcement agencies are making
strides to address these stressors, emphasizing the importance of officers’
physical and mental well-being. It is crucial to safeguard these individuals
who dedicate themselves to our protection every day. While a career in law
enforcement is often respected, it comes with numerous challenges that can
pose risks to an individual’s mental health (Fuller, et al., 2023). Officers
frequently face traumatic events that exceed the lifetime exposure of the
average person. These incidents, ranging from severe injuries to life-
threatening situations, are part of their daily reality. Such repeated exposure
can lead to considerable stress and potentially long-term mental health
consequences, impacting their job performance. The link between PTSD
symptoms and workplace stressors is well-established. Factors like
insufficient equipment, excessive overtime, lack of training, and irregular
shifts can exacerbate the psychological impact of traumatic events,
increasing the risk of severe PTSD. A study involving 750 officers
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investigated the correlation between work stress and major depressive
disorder, revealing that everyday workplace stressors are indeed associated
with depression symptoms. This highlights the need for comprehensive
support systems within law enforcement agencies to address both the
immediate and cumulative effects of job-related stress.
Suicide rates are escalating globally, with nearly 800,000 individuals
(about half the population of Nebraska) succumbing to it annually, making it
the second leading cause of death among those aged 15 to 29 (Chidgey, et
al., 2022). For every suicide, there are approximately 20 attempts. Police
officers, bound by societal and legal duties, often engage with those
exhibiting suicidal tendencies. Such individuals tend to have more frequent
police interactions shortly before their deaths. While most cases are resolved
peacefully, some involve violence, leading to fatalities. In homicide-suicide
scenarios, a violent relationship often precedes the act. Analyzing these
interactions is crucial to prevent future tragedies. The phenomenon of
“suicide by cop” occurs when individuals provoke officers into using lethal
force (Chidgey, et al., 2022). Adequate training and resources for officers are
essential to safely de-escalate such crises. Mental health training duration
varies worldwide, with an average of 6.5 hours, though some forces offer up
to 40 hours. Despite specialized training, officers may feel ill-equipped to
handle suicidal crises effectively. The locations where deaths occurred varied
widely, with many taking place in public areas, private residences, and
facilities such as hospitals and police stations (Chidgey, et al., 2022). The
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predominant causes of death included hanging, self-inflicted gunshot
wounds, and falls from heights. Other causes ranged from police shootings to
various forms of self-harm. Many cases involved violence, either self-directed
or towards others, often with weapons (Chidgey, et al., 2022). Many of the
deceased had histories of family violence or previous encounters with law
enforcement. The data revealed several reasons for police involvement with
these individuals shortly before their deaths, primarily related to crime
reports and welfare checks (Chidgey, et al., 2022). The proposed procedural
modifications are specific and aim to enhance the transfer process for
detainees, both within the police force and to external entities like
correctional facilities. Ensuring the receiving party is fully informed of the
detainee’s background and potential risks is crucial for their welfare. Other
policy improvements involve refining risk assessments and documenting
suicide or self-harm alerts (Chidgey, et al., 2022). These changes are tied to
better cooperation and information exchange. Given that a significant
portion of individuals who died had mental health issues, comprehensive risk
evaluations and accessible background information are essential for officers
to identify and address signs of self-harm effectively. Coroner Jacqui Hawkins
underscored the importance of assessing family violence offenders for
suicide risk, noting that police officers, as first responders, are uniquely
positioned to evaluate the mental state of suspects (Chidgey, et al., 2022).
The timing and impulsivity of suicides from the initial thought to the act are
not well-defined, but there is a consensus on the necessity for enhanced
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police training. This need is echoed in various case studies and literature,
highlighting the benefits of de-escalation techniques and psychosocial
interventions like empathetic listening and distress response. Such training is
crucial for officers dealing with individuals in suicidal crises. In cases where
improved training is advised, many involve weapon use, particularly
firearms, and often relate to “suicide by cop” scenarios (Chidgey, et al.,
2022). These situations are complex and can result in fatalities even with
non-lethal police intervention. Recommendations suggest that training
should be supplemented with strategies like information exchange and inter-
agency cooperation to better support individuals in crisis (Chidgey, et al.,
2022).
Police officers are often the first to respond to mental health crises. A
study investigated the disconnection of these individuals from mental health
services and the impact of police intervention (van den Brink, et al., 2012).
Records indicated that police were called for mental health crises 492 times
in a year, involving 336 individuals (van den Brink, et al., 2012). Half had no
regular mental health contact before the crisis. Post-crisis, 21% re-engaged
with services, increasing to 49% with police-initiated contact (van den Brink,
et al., 2012). Despite this, 58% did not receive police-facilitated mental
health service contact during a crisis. The study underscores the critical role
of police in connecting individuals to mental health care and suggests that
enhanced officer training and collaboration with mental health services could
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improve outcomes for those disengaged from such services (van den Brink,
et al., 2012).
In a study conducted in the Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
(2020), this study builds upon prior research to explore police officers’ views
on the unmet needs of individuals and families during mental health crises
and how systemic issues in mental health and social services limit their
response effectiveness. Data from 36 ride-along's with Chicago police
officers, including observations and interviews, were analyzed to understand
officers’ experiences with mental health calls (Woods, Watson, & Barber,
2020). Officers often deal with cases where individuals have discontinued
medication, leading to police involvement. The study highlights systemic
limitations that hinder long-term positive outcomes (Woods, Watson, &
Barber, 2020). New initiatives aim to improve collaboration between police
and healthcare providers, offering hope for better integration (Woods,
Watson, & Barber, 2020). Currently, police are encouraged to conduct
principled encounters that prioritize safety, harm reduction, and stigma
reduction. Mental health nurses can play a key role in training officers and
supporting them during mental health calls, but a deeper understanding of
the dynamics behind such calls is needed (Woods, Watson, & Barber, 2020).
The concept of individuals “going off meds” warrants further examination to
ensure a comprehensive approach to mental health crisis management
(Woods, Watson, & Barber, 2020).
Personal Insight
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Work-related stress and PTSD are not exclusive to law enforcement; they can
arise from various professions and life experiences. Childhood abuse, for
instance, can leave deep psychological scars and lead to PTSD. Military
service, particularly in roles like Military Police or investigative positions, can
be incredibly taxing, and historically, mental health support was not as
accessible as it is today. The coping mechanisms for such stress have often
been unhealthy, leading to substance abuse, domestic violence, and even
suicide. Understanding the root causes of such behaviors can be complex,
and while forgiveness may be difficult, comprehension can bring some
solace. It is heartening to hear that with proper therapy and support,
individuals can improve and lead better lives. The ongoing struggles of
combat veterans with PTSD highlight the enduring impact of service-related
trauma. The bond and commitment to service, despite its hardships, reflects
a profound dedication that many veterans feel, akin to a deep-seated loyalty.
Taking care of one’s mental health and recognizing signs of struggle in
others are crucial lessons from these experiences. “The day-to-day stress of
dealing with people and their problems, especially the deeply disturbing
aspects of dealing critical incidents, can traumatize officers and poison their
spirits” (Linebach & Kovacsiss, 2022). The cumulative stress from daily
interactions and handling disturbing aspects of critical incidents can indeed
have a profound impact on one’s mental health. While not all professions
involve life-threatening situations, the emotional toll of dealing with
challenging individuals, conducting investigations, and processing unsettling
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evidence can be significant. It is commendable that your organization
proactively provided mental health resources, recognizing the potential
stressors. Such support is essential for maintaining psychological well-being,
and if more organizations adopted this approach, it could indeed enhance
morale, job satisfaction, and the overall sense of validation among officers.
Biblical Worldview
A biblical worldview is anchored in the conviction of God’s immutable
essence. It asserts that, as the creator of all, God is the definitive source of
truth. This perspective is built upon core beliefs, suppositions, and values
that emerge from a world narrative, driving both personal and societal
conduct and molding cultural norms. It steers Christians in their responses to
worldwide challenges like suicide and mental health and shapes their
leadership, parenting, and conflict resolution strategies. Every individual,
irrespective of religious beliefs, operates according to a personal worldview
that directs their understanding and behavior. A biblical worldview is rooted
in the belief of an eternal, unchanging divine presence. It holds that God, as
the creator of all in heaven and earth, sets the benchmark for truth. This
worldview encompasses foundational beliefs, presumptions, and values that
stem from a narrative about the world, influencing both individual and
collective actions that shape societal norms. It segments into three
components: core beliefs, an overarching narrative, and resultant actions.
Such a worldview alters our reactions to significant global occurrences. For
instance, it guides police officers in addressing mental health crises and
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suicide prevention. It also directs Christians in their leadership roles,
parenting methods, and responses to antagonism. Every individual operates
with a worldview that frames their interpretation of the world and their place
within it, regardless of religious affiliation.
Mental health has garnered significant attention in society, leading to
increased awareness and training. Despite progress, there is still much to
understand. Police departments have made commendable efforts to supply
officers with the necessary tools and resources to handle community
members with mental health concerns, including those at risk of suicide.
Officers often face situations involving mental health disorders, which are
complex and demand specialized training for effective management. As
guardians of the community, it is essential that officers possess
comprehensive knowledge and resources to aid those who are most in need.
Secular and biblical worldviews offer distinct lenses through which
individuals interpret their experiences and make choices. A biblical
worldview is anchored in the teachings of the Bible, acknowledging God as
the sovereign creator and His word as the definitive guide to truth. This
perspective shapes a Christian’s approach to life’s significant moments,
stewardship of resources, leadership engagement, parenting, and dealing
with adversity, all through the prism of scriptural principles and faith in God’s
plan, including the anticipation of Christ’s return and the mission of sharing
the gospel. In contrast, a secular worldview values personal belief systems
without asserting them as universal truths, emphasizing rational thought and
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empirical evidence over spiritual revelation. It views truth as relative, varying
among individuals, and sees moral and ethical standards as constructs
influenced by cultural consensus.
The approach of law enforcement officers to individuals with mental health
issues, potentially including suicidal tendencies, can be shaped by both
secular and biblical perspectives. A secular worldview prioritizes evidence-
based methods and pragmatic interventions, focusing on risk factors like
occupational stress, traumatic experiences, and genetic predispositions. It
advocates for the use of counseling, peer support, and wellness training to
mitigate these risks. The secular perspective seeks to enhance officers’
responses in crisis situations through resilience-building strategies that do
not depend on religious faith.
Romans 13:4 is often interpreted as aligning the role of law enforcement
with a divine mandate, suggesting that officers serve as instruments of God’s
justice. This perspective can imbue officers with a sense of higher purpose
and fortitude in the face of adversity and scrutiny. Nonetheless, this
integration of faith into police training has sparked debate over the principle
of church-state separation and its influence on law enforcement methods.
However, critics raise concerns about the separation of church and state and
the potential impact on policing practices (Griffith, 2022). While a biblical
worldview underscores the officer’s duty as a servant of divine will, it also
prompts consideration of how to harmonize religious convictions with the
responsibilities of their profession.
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Police departments address the potential impact of religious beliefs on
policing practices by maintaining a balance between respecting officers’
personal beliefs and ensuring that these beliefs do not influence their
professional duties. To manage this, departments may provide training that
emphasizes the importance of impartiality and the separation of personal
beliefs from professional responsibilities. To further grasp the community’s
viewpoints and issues, including religious aspects, some police departments
may initiate conversations with faith-based groups or form advisory
committees. Such initiatives are designed to equip officers with the ability to
serve every community member fairly, irrespective of personal or
encountered religious beliefs.
Law enforcement officers can indeed hold both secular and biblical
worldviews simultaneously while performing their duties. These worldviews
guide officers in managing situations involving individuals experiencing
mental health crises and in suicide prevention efforts. The secular
perspective emphasizes evidence-based practices, whereas the biblical
worldview brings faith and a sense of purpose to an officer’s role. Balancing
these views is key to supporting individuals’ well-being within constitutional
limits. Officers are encouraged to draw from both worldviews to serve the
community effectively, ensuring their own mental health and that of those
they protect. Moreover, it is vital for people with suicidal thoughts to seek
assistance from mental health professionals and find solace in faith-based
support, which can significantly contribute to suicide prevention strategies.
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Conclusion
Traditionally, police training has not significantly focused on interactions with
individuals with mental health conditions, leading to issues such as frequent
arrests and, in some cases, the use of lethal force. Reports indicate that
police are more likely to use deadly force against individuals with mental
illnesses than those without. To address this, various police response models
have been developed, including Crisis Intervention Teams and co-response
strategies with mental health professionals. Research has evaluated the
effectiveness of these models and frontline officers’ perceptions, but there is
a notable lack of insight into police chiefs’ views on these programs.
Understanding chiefs’ perspectives is crucial as they play a key role in
adopting such models. Current study aims to bridge this gap by exploring
police chiefs’ opinions on different police response models and the factors
that shape these attitudes (Chunghyeon, Bitna, & Kruis, 2021). Recent
attention from media and advocacy groups has highlighted adverse
encounters between police and civilians, particularly those with mental
health issues. Researchers suggest these incidents often stem from officers’
limited understanding of mental illness, a gap attributed to inadequate
training and experience. A study conducted by Nashira Funn (2017) aimed to
delve into law enforcement’s self-assessed knowledge of mental illness,
guided by Malcolm Knowles’ adult learning theory. The central question
explored was how officers’ awareness of mental health conditions affects
their interactions with affected individuals (Funn, 2017). Interviews with
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eight officers experienced in such interactions revealed key themes: the
necessity for improved formal training on mental health and the role of
firsthand experiences in shaping these encounters (Funn, 2017). The findings
suggest that enhancing training could lead to more positive outcomes for
both officers and individuals with mental health challenges.
References
Rutledge, D. (2010). The “Emergency Aid Doctrine.” The Police Magazine.
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Holy Bible. Romans 13:4. King James Version.
Griffith, A. (2022). American Christians “Backing the Blue”: On Faith and
Policing. Religion and Politics, Washington University in St. Louis, MO.
Fuller, E., Boland, G., & Salami, T. (2023). “The impact of critical incidents,
work stress, and organizational support on PTSD symptoms among law
enforcement officers: a moderated moderation model.” Police Practice and
Research, DOI: 10.1080/15614263.2023.2231594
Lineback, J. & Kovacsiss, L. (2022). Psychology in the Justice System (2nd
ed.). Verisaga Books. https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/979-8-
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Chidgey, K., Procter, N., Baker, A., & Grech, C. (2022). Suicide deaths
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Chunghyeon, S., Bitna, K., & Kruis, N. E. (2021). Police Response Models for
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