Year: 2003 Source: Vancouver, British Columbia: Canadian Mental Health Association BC Division, (December 2003). 33p. SIEC No: 20050731

This report investigates the nature & reform of police response to people with mental illness who are in crisis. Part 1 examines why more people with a mental illness are coming into contact with the police, identifies factors that create barriers to effective police response, & highlights the criminalization, injury & death that have resulted from current practices. Factors occasioning change to these practices are also examined. Part 2 examines & evaluates different models of police response to individuals in psychiatric crisis and reviews the available research. Finally, Part 3 provides conclusions & recommendations for action in British Columbia. (72 refs)