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Smiley-McDonald HM, Attaway PR, Wenger LD, Greenwell K, Lambdin BH, Kral AH. "All carrots and no stick": Perceived impacts, changes in practices, and attitudes among law enforcement following drug decriminalization in Oregon State, USA. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 118:104100. [PMID: 37356287 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND By passing Ballot Measure 110 (BM 110), Oregon became the first U.S. state to decriminalize noncommercial possession of drugs that are illegal under the Controlled Substances Act. This study examined the perceived impacts of BM 110 on law enforcement and Oregon communities. METHODS Our team visited four geographically distinct Oregon counties in August 2022 (two urban, two rural). The qualitative study involved conducting 34 hour-long interviews with law enforcement, other criminal legal system personnel, and representatives from emergency medical services/fire and substance use treatment and harm reduction agencies. Interviewees were asked about their perceptions of BM 110's effects on law enforcement, their communities, and agencies. RESULTS Law enforcement interviewees viewed BM 110 as a failure; they perceived it resulted in an erosion of their authority. They expressed frustration that they could not use drug possession as a "tool" for investigations to pursue and build cases, establish probable cause, and impose what they believed necessary for social order. Law enforcement personnel in all four counties indicated they routinely seized drugs and drug paraphernalia during encounters with people using drugs, even when that was the only offense being committed. Police lacked knowledge that BM 110 included support for harm reduction services, housing assistance, and employment support. Law enforcement personnel had different opinions and practices regarding issuing Class E violations; those who did not issue them viewed them as a waste of time because they are not entry points into the criminal legal system. CONCLUSION This study provides insights into drug decriminalization in Oregon. This examination is critical for informing BM 110's continued implementation as Oregon proceeds with increased treatment and support service provision. Our findings have important implications regarding other states' design and implementation of drug policy alternatives, including ones that remove law enforcement's role in addressing drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peyton R Attaway
- Justice Practice Area, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Lynn D Wenger
- Health Practice Area, RTI International, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Kathryn Greenwell
- Justice Practice Area, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Barrot H Lambdin
- Health Practice Area, RTI International, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Alex H Kral
- Health Practice Area, RTI International, Berkeley, CA, United States
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Jones N, Gius B, Shields M, Florence A, Collings S, Green K, Watson A, Munson M. Youths' and Young Adults' Experiences of Police Involvement During Initiation of Involuntary Psychiatric Holds and Transport. Psychiatr Serv 2022; 73:910-917. [PMID: 34911351 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.202100263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, police involvement in behavioral health crisis response has generated concern and controversy. Despite the salience and timeliness of this topic, the literature on service user experiences of interactions with officers is small and studies of youths and young adults are nonexistent. The authors aimed to investigate youths' and young adults' experiences of police involvement in involuntary psychiatric hold initiation and transport. In-depth interviews were conducted with 40 participants (ages 16-27) who had experienced an involuntary hold; the 28 participants who reported police involvement are the focus of this analysis. Data were inductively coded, and codes were grouped into larger themes. A majority of participants reported negative experiences; major themes characterizing negative encounters were the framing of distress as criminal or of intervention as disciplinary rather than therapeutic, perceived aggression and callousness from police officers, and poor communication. The authors also characterized the positive experiences of officer involvement reported by a minority of participants and youths' perspectives on the degree of control officers could exert over initiation and transport decisions. Findings help center the voices of youths and young adults with mental health challenges and raise important questions about contemporary policies regarding police involvement in crisis response and, more broadly, about coercive responses to distress or emotional crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nev Jones
- School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh (Jones); Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa (Gius); Center for Mental Health (Shields) and Center for the Prevention of Suicide (Green), Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (Shields); Program on Recovery and Community Health, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (Florence); private practice, Philadelphia (Collings); Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee (Watson); Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York City (Munson)
| | - Becky Gius
- School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh (Jones); Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa (Gius); Center for Mental Health (Shields) and Center for the Prevention of Suicide (Green), Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (Shields); Program on Recovery and Community Health, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (Florence); private practice, Philadelphia (Collings); Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee (Watson); Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York City (Munson)
| | - Morgan Shields
- School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh (Jones); Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa (Gius); Center for Mental Health (Shields) and Center for the Prevention of Suicide (Green), Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (Shields); Program on Recovery and Community Health, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (Florence); private practice, Philadelphia (Collings); Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee (Watson); Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York City (Munson)
| | - Ana Florence
- School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh (Jones); Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa (Gius); Center for Mental Health (Shields) and Center for the Prevention of Suicide (Green), Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (Shields); Program on Recovery and Community Health, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (Florence); private practice, Philadelphia (Collings); Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee (Watson); Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York City (Munson)
| | - Shira Collings
- School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh (Jones); Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa (Gius); Center for Mental Health (Shields) and Center for the Prevention of Suicide (Green), Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (Shields); Program on Recovery and Community Health, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (Florence); private practice, Philadelphia (Collings); Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee (Watson); Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York City (Munson)
| | - Kelly Green
- School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh (Jones); Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa (Gius); Center for Mental Health (Shields) and Center for the Prevention of Suicide (Green), Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (Shields); Program on Recovery and Community Health, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (Florence); private practice, Philadelphia (Collings); Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee (Watson); Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York City (Munson)
| | - Amy Watson
- School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh (Jones); Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa (Gius); Center for Mental Health (Shields) and Center for the Prevention of Suicide (Green), Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (Shields); Program on Recovery and Community Health, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (Florence); private practice, Philadelphia (Collings); Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee (Watson); Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York City (Munson)
| | - Michelle Munson
- School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh (Jones); Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa (Gius); Center for Mental Health (Shields) and Center for the Prevention of Suicide (Green), Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (Shields); Program on Recovery and Community Health, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (Florence); private practice, Philadelphia (Collings); Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee (Watson); Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York City (Munson)
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Chittle A, Neilson S, Nicoll G, Zaheer J. Physicians' perspectives on processes for emergency mental health transfers from university health clinics to hospitals in Ontario, Canada: a qualitative analysis. CMAJ Open 2022; 10:E554-E562. [PMID: 35728838 PMCID: PMC9343125 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20210135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Ontario, Canada, there is variability in how students experiencing a mental health crisis are transferred from university health clinics to hospital for emergent psychiatric assessment, particularly regarding police involvement and physical restraint use. We sought to understand existing processes for these transfers, and barriers to and facilitators of change. METHODS Between July 2018 and January 2019, we conducted semistructured qualitative interviews by telephone or in person with physicians working at Ontario university health clinics. We developed the interview guide by integrating an extensive literature review, and the expertise of stakeholders and people with lived experience. We analyzed the interview transcripts thematically. Analysis was informed by participant responses to a questionnaire exploring their perspectives about crisis transfer processes. We requested institutional policy and process documents to support analysis and generate a policy summary. RESULTS Eleven physicians (9 family physicians and 2 psychiatrists) from 9 university health clinics were interviewed. Ten of the 11 completed questionnaires. Policy and process documents were obtained from 5 clinics. There was variation in processes for emergency mental health transfers and in clinicians' experiences with and beliefs about these processes. Police were commonly involved in transfers from 7 of the 11 clinics, and in nearly all or all transfers from 5 of the 11 clinics. Handcuffs were always or almost always used during transfer at 2 clinics. Three major themes were identified: police involvement and restraint use can cause harm; clinical considerations are used to justify police involvement and restraint use; and pragmatic, nonclinical factors often inform transfer practices. INTERPRETATION The involvement of police and use of restraints in crisis mental health transfers to hospital were related to pragmatic, extramedical factors in some university health clinics in Ontario. Exploring existing variability and the factors that sustain potentially harmful practices can facilitate standard implementation of less invasive and traumatizing transfer processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Chittle
- Department of Family Medicine (Chittle, Neilson), Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University - Waterloo Regional Campus, Waterloo, Ont.; Institute for Mental Health Policy Research (Nicoll, Zaheer), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; Departments of Psychology (Nicoll) and Psychiatry (Zaheer), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Shane Neilson
- Department of Family Medicine (Chittle, Neilson), Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University - Waterloo Regional Campus, Waterloo, Ont.; Institute for Mental Health Policy Research (Nicoll, Zaheer), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; Departments of Psychology (Nicoll) and Psychiatry (Zaheer), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Gina Nicoll
- Department of Family Medicine (Chittle, Neilson), Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University - Waterloo Regional Campus, Waterloo, Ont.; Institute for Mental Health Policy Research (Nicoll, Zaheer), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; Departments of Psychology (Nicoll) and Psychiatry (Zaheer), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Juveria Zaheer
- Department of Family Medicine (Chittle, Neilson), Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University - Waterloo Regional Campus, Waterloo, Ont.; Institute for Mental Health Policy Research (Nicoll, Zaheer), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; Departments of Psychology (Nicoll) and Psychiatry (Zaheer), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.
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Bennell C, Jenkins B, Blaskovits B, Semple T, Khanizadeh AJ, Brown AS, Jones NJ. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for Managing Potentially Volatile Police–Public Interactions: A Narrative Review. Front Psychol 2022; 13:818009. [PMID: 35330722 PMCID: PMC8940200 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.818009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We conducted a narrative review of existing literature to identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) necessary for officers who police in democratic societies to successfully manage potentially volatile police–public interactions. This review revealed 10 such KSAs that are frequently discussed in the literature. These KSAs include: (1) knowledge of policies and laws; (2) an understanding of mental health-related issues; (3) an ability to interact effectively with, and show respect for, individuals from diverse community groups; (4) awareness and management of stress effects; (5) communication skills; (6) decision-making and problem-solving skills; (7) perceptual skills; (8) motor skills related to use-of-force; (9) emotion and behavior regulation; and (10) an ability to treat people in a procedurally just manner. Following our review, we conducted semi-structured interviews (N = 7) with researchers who specialize in police training and adult education, interactions with individuals in crisis, and racialized policing, as well as two police trainers with expertise in de-escalation and use-of-force training. These interviews confirmed the importance of the 10 KSAs and highlighted two additional KSAs that are likely to be critical: understanding the role of policing in a free and democratic society and tactical knowledge and skills. To ensure that police–public interactions are managed effectively, police trainers may want to focus on the development and evaluation of these KSAs—something that is not always done currently.
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Neilson S, Chittle A, Coleman T, Kurdyak P, Zaheer J. Policies and procedures for patient transfers from community clinics to emergency departments under the mental health act: Review and policy scan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY 2020; 71:101576. [PMID: 32768104 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2020.101576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this commentary is to summarize the few findings from the scientific literature pertaining to humane mental health transfer practices in the province of Ontario as well as the broader Canadian and international context. These findings are juxtaposed with a policing policy scan concerning the Ontario and Canadian contexts. The practice of default restraint use during transfers is surprisingly widespread practice, despite advocacy to the contrary, and is presented as the consequence of stigma and the lack of codified restriction of restraint use by police in their policy guidelines. METHODS (1) Literature search to discover relevant articles which were summarized using narrative review due to the lack of high-quality studies available in this area, and (2) Scan of publicly available policy documents in use by Ontario police agencies in March and April of 2018, as well as contacting several police agencies and community resources to review policies and procedures. RESULTS We review the available evidence on the use and impact of restraints in patient transfer to emergency departments from police settings, highlight police practices in four Ontario jurisdictions, and summarize recommendations from police and mental health advocates regarding mental health transfers. DISCUSSION Synthesizing the available evidence, policies, and procedures, we illustrate that the Ontario-wide variability in both who transfers PMI on a Form 1 to hospital and whether restraints are utilized reflect systemic failures to utilize least restrictive means of transfer. We offer a look at future areas of research and advocacy to improve practices in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane Neilson
- Waterloo Regional Campus of McMaster University, Canada
| | - Andrea Chittle
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Canada
| | | | - Paul Kurdyak
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; ICES; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Juveria Zaheer
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health;Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Canada.
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Holman G, O'Brien AJ, Thom K. Police and mental health responses to mental health crisis in the Waikato region of New Zealand. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2018; 27:1411-1419. [PMID: 29427304 DOI: 10.1111/inm.12440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
New Zealand police report a high level of involvement with people in mental health crisis, something that has been reported in the international literature in recent decades. Involvement of police represents a coercive pathway to care and is likely to be associated with use of force. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical, legal, and social characteristics of individuals subject to police response in the Waikato region of New Zealand. Data were also collected on characteristics of police response, including use of force, time of day, and disposition. Use of force, most commonly use of handcuffs, occurred in 78% of cases involving police. The study showed that Māori were overrepresented in police responses, but no more likely than Europeans to experience use of force. Almost half those subject to police response were not subsequently admitted to hospital, raising questions about the need for and nature of police response in these cases. Because mental health nurses are often part of police response, nurses need to take cognisance of their relationship with police and contribute to any initiatives that can reduce coercion in the pathway to care, and improve service users' experience in mental health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham Holman
- Waikato District Health Board, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | | | - Katey Thom
- University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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