Effects of Police-Mental Health Collaborative Services on Calls, Arrests, and Emergency Hospitalizations

Effects of Police-Mental Health Collaborative Services on Calls, Arrests, and Emergency Hospitalizations by Sean R.J. Zauhar MA, University of St. Thomas, 2004 BA, St. Cloud State University, 2000 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Criminal Justice Walden University August 2019 Abstract With the increasing amount of police calls involving persons experiencing a mental health crisis (PICs), agencies are looking for ways to reduce the overuse of emergency services and criminal confinement. Police-mental health collaborative (PMHC) programs were developed to utilize the expertise of both mental health and law enforcement practitioners to provide immediate linkage to psychiatric services in an effort to prevent unnecessary involvement in the criminal justice system. The theoretical framework for this study was built on the sequential intercept model (SIM) along with the theories of social network and social support. The SIM identifies 5 key points where PICs can be diverted away from the criminal justice system. PMHC programs fall within the first intercept where persons with mental illness can be diverted at their first initial contact with law enforcement. Limited empirical research exists that show PMHC programs are reaching their intended objectives. The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine the effect of PMHC services on the likelihood that PICs will have future mental health calls (MHCs), arrests, and emergency hospitalizations (EHPs). Archival data from 1 midwestern police agency and online public court records was used in theWith the increasing amount of police calls involving persons experiencing a mental health crisis (PICs), agencies are looking for ways to reduce the overuse of emergency services and criminal confinement. Police-mental health collaborative (PMHC) programs were developed to utilize the expertise of both mental health and law enforcement practitioners to provide immediate linkage to psychiatric services in an effort to prevent unnecessary involvement in the criminal justice system. The theoretical framework for this study was built on the sequential intercept model (SIM) along with the theories of social network and social support. The SIM identifies 5 key points where PICs can be diverted away from the criminal justice system. PMHC programs fall within the first intercept where persons with mental illness can be diverted at their first initial contact with law enforcement. Limited empirical research exists that show PMHC programs are reaching their intended objectives. The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine the effect of PMHC services on the likelihood that PICs will have future mental health calls (MHCs), arrests, and emergency hospitalizations (EHPs). Archival data from 1 midwestern police agency and online public court records was used in the analysis. The study employed OLS and logistic regression techniques, which revealed no statistically significant relationships between the PMHC interventions and the likelihood of future MHCs, arrests, and EHPs. However, significance was achieved for several covariates including transient status, prior history of MHCs, arrests, and EHPs. These findings will contribute to positive social change by informing policymakers and practitioners on best practices in community mental health crisis response. Effects of Police-Mental Health Collaborative Services on Calls, Arrests, and Emergency Hospitalizations by Sean R.J. Zauhar MA, University of St. Thomas, 2004 BA, St. Cloud State University, 2000 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Criminal Justice Walden University August 2019 Dedication First and foremost, this research study is dedicated to my wife, Kory, and my three daughters, Luna, Emma, and Mia for their unwavering love and support during the journey towards my doctoral degree. This research study is also dedicated to the law enforcement and mental health professionals who work tirelessly every day to improve the lives of persons affected by mental illness and their families. Acknowledgments First, I cannot thank my family enough; especially my wife, Kory, who has always supported me in all of my endeavors. Also to my three daughters, Luna, Emma, and Mia, who continually inspire me to be a better person. My committee chair, Dr. Tony Smith, who provided me with exceptional guidance, inspiration, and understanding throughout this journey. Committee members, Dr. Gary Kelsey and Dr. Michael KlempNorth, whose knowledge and expertise helped guide the completion of this dissertation. A special thanks to Chief Todd Axtell, Deputy Chief Mary Nash, Commander Stacy Murphy, and Sgt. Jamison Sipes of the St. Paul Police Department for their support and willingness to be part of this study. No one person is ever self-made without the guidance, support, and love from the amazing people around them. Without the personal sacrifice from others, I would not be the person that I am today. I am deeply grateful to all of the people who have helped me along the way.