| Abstract | Deinstitutionalization and overburdened community resources have contributed to the criminalization of people with mental illness and psychiatric disorders. More specifically, police officers have become frontline social workers. As mental health diagnoses continue to increase, mental health professionals and police officers must establish proactive partnerships to ensure continuity in care for this population. Family members and loved ones who are challenged by recognizing mental health needs or are unaware of the resources available to them are also greatly affected. This paper explores the insight among mental health professionals and law enforcement professionals regarding the determined efforts to appropriately assessing mental health crises. The results of this study encourage social destruction against the mental health stigma, enhanced community-based services and supports, government funds for housing resources and crisis intervention services, followed by educational opportunities for the community and family members, and reoccurring training for law enforcement personnel. |
