Policy Press

Challenges in Mental Health and Policing

Key Themes and Perspectives

By Ian Cummins

Published

Jul 26, 2022

Page count

176 pages

Browse the series

Key Themes in Policing

ISBN

978-1447360841

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Jul 26, 2022

Page count

176 pages

Browse the series

Key Themes in Policing

ISBN

978-1447360834

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Jul 26, 2022

Page count

176 pages

Browse the series

Key Themes in Policing

ISBN

978-1447360858

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Jul 26, 2022

Page count

176 pages

Browse the series

Key Themes in Policing

ISBN

978-1447360858

Imprint

Policy Press
Challenges in Mental Health and Policing

Police officers deal with mental illness-related incidents on an almost daily basis. Ian Cummins explores how factors such as deinstitutionalisation, community care failings and, more recently, welfare retrenchment policies have led to this situation. He then considers how police officers should be supported by community mental health agencies to make confident and correct decisions, and to ensure that the individuals they encounter receive support from the most appropriate services.

Of interest to police researchers and students of criminology and the social sciences, the book examines police officers’ views on mental health work and includes a chapter by a service user.

“This very useful book offers a thorough overview of the challenges presented to the police and CJS by mental health, together with a strategic and political perspective of the background to the changes arising in this field.” Emma Williams, The Open University

Ian Cummins is Senior Lecturer in the School of Health and Society at the University of Salford.

Introduction

1. Policing and society

2. Mental health and mental illness: key themes and perspectives

3. Policing, mental health and the criminal justice system

4. 'Street-level psychiatrists'?

5. Policing and stress

6. A comparative study of mental health triage - Alice Park

7. Defunding the police: a mental health perspective

Conclusion