La mise en scène de l’intervention psychosociale en contexte de crise : ethnographie d’un partenariat « policier-travailleur social »

Context and objectives. The increase in interactions between police officers and emotionally disturbed people (EDP) led to the introduction of mobile crisis intervention team (MCIT) in the Police Department of the City of Sherbrooke (also known as co-responding police-mental health programs).  The MCIT combines a police officer and a social worker, and is dedicated to situations involving EDP. Despite their growing popularity, few studies have investigated the functioning of such teams. The main objective of this dissertation was to provide a better understanding of the functioning of a co-responding police-mental health program. More specifically, this study: (1) describe central stages of a psychosocial intervention; (2) identify the main actions at each stage; (3) define interactions between parties involved in the intervention; and (4) understand the meaning of actions displayed by each actor. Methodology. Data was collected through an ethnographic method. From the backseat of a police patrol car, 200 hours of observations were conducted during interventions among EDP. Results. Embedded in Goffman’s dramaturgic metaphor, analyses first led to the identification of a seven-stage operational script: (1) Being notified of a situation involving an EDP; (2) Defining the situation according to different actors; (3) Assessing the need for the MCIT; (4) Entering the scene and securing the intervention site; (5) Conducting the psychosocial assessment; (6) Choosing the management strategy according to the purpose of the intervention; and (7) Conducting follow-up activities. The introduction of the MCIT led, on the one hand, to the creation of new intervention scenarios, and on the other hand, to modifications in strategies used by police officers during their exchanges with EDP. Analyses of interactions between team members showed a transition in the police officer role, i.e., from a “warrior” to a “guardian of public order” role. In keeping with Goffman’s concept of fabrication, results indicate that police officers and social workers sometimes used deceptive and coercive strategies in order to avoid arrest and hospitalization. Hence, the use of force and transportation of EDP to hospital against their will (Act P-38.001) were not incompatible with the diversion approach. At last, the introduction of a MCIT also led to changes in management strategies; rather than arrest, incarceration and hospitalization, diversion measures such as referrals to community agencies and to the EDP’s personal/social network were opted for.   Conclusion. Results described settings in which the MCIT conducted their interventions. Interactions between actors vary according to their interpersonal, legal and institutional settings. This study also demonstrates the usefulness of the interactionism framework in order to capture dynamics of police interventions and their associated outcomes such as arrest, police use of force, hospitalization or management by community agencies. This study concludes by offering reflections on the management of EDP and police training.

Keyphrases: Police, Co-responding police-mental health programs, Policing, Emotionally disturbed person, Social work, Mental health, Dramaturgic metaphor