A pilot study exploring mental health consumers' experiences with the police

Area of Science:

• Criminology
• Mental Health Services
• Public Health

Background:

• Police encounters with individuals experiencing mental illness are frequent and challenging.
• Existing research primarily focuses on police perceptions, neglecting the experiences of those with mental illness.
• Understanding these encounters from the consumer perspective is vital for improving outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the experiences of individuals with mental illness during police encounters.
• To identify factors influencing cooperation and positive evaluations of these interactions.
• To inform strategies for enhancing police interactions with the mental health community.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving 26 participants recruited through a state-wide Consumer Advisory Group.
• Online survey administered to gather data on participants' encounters with police.
• Analysis of perceived procedural justice, nature of police involvement, internalized stigma, and prior contacts.

Main Results:

• Perceived procedural justice by police was positively associated with cooperation and favorable encounter evaluations.
• The nature of police involvement and internalized stigma moderated the relationship between procedural justice and evaluation.
• Previous negative or positive interactions with police influenced overall attitudes.

Conclusions:

• Fair and respectful treatment by police is essential for fostering peaceful encounters with individuals experiencing mental illness.
• Procedural justice principles can improve the quality of police interactions and outcomes.
• Addressing internalized stigma and considering the context of police involvement are important for enhancing these encounters.