Innovations in Police and Community Responses to Behavioral Health Crises

Law enforcement agencies are reexamining their responses to behavioral health–related crises in their communities. Although significant innovation in the development of police-led, community-led, and co-response programs has been observed, the prevalence and details associated with these programs remains largely unknown. Panelists will respond to the findings from a survey of U.S. police agencies, examining existing training, programs, and partnerships to support crisis response. Examples of crisis response programs operating in the field are presented, and the successes and challenges of these models are discussed. Updated opportunities for federal support in development and implementation of response programs are presented, and the future for crisis response is discussed.