Why Mandating Wellness Checks by Police is Important for Mental Health
It is no secret that law enforcement officers are one of the first responders to a mental health crisis. They are tasked with a difficult job – to ensure the safety of the person in crisis and those around them, while also attempting to de-escalate the situation. However, this job often falls under the category of “other duties as assigned” and is frequently not given the attention it deserves. Mandating wellness checks enforced by police could have a significant impact on mental health, and it’s time we start taking it seriously.
What are wellness checks?
Wellness checks, also known as welfare checks, are a response to requests from concerned friends, family, or neighbors about the wellbeing of an individual. They can occur in a variety of situations, including when someone is in crisis due to mental health issues. During a wellness check, officers are typically dispatched to the person’s location to determine if they are safe and well.
The Importance of Mandating Wellness Checks
Mandating wellness checks by police for mental health concerns can provide invaluable support for those who may need it the most. One of the significant benefits of mandated wellness checks is that they can help identify people who are in crisis and prevent them from harming themselves or others. Additionally, they can assist in linking people to appropriate care and support services that they may have been unaware of or unable to access otherwise.
Unfortunately, mental health concerns can negatively impact law enforcement officers’ ability to carry out their duties effectively, as they may become overwhelmed or respond inappropriately to the situation. With mandated wellness checks, officers can receive specialized training to prepare them for de-escalating mental health crises, ensuring that they can respond appropriately and professionally.
Examples of Successful Mandated Wellness Check Programs
There are numerous examples of successful wellness check programs in action. For instance, the city of Alexandria, Virginia implemented a program in 2016 that trained police officers and social workers to respond to mental health crises. In the first year alone, the program responded to 2,000 calls, and 1,800 of them did not require law enforcement intervention. In another example, the “Cahoots” program in Eugene, Oregon, which dispatches mental health professionals instead of police officers to respond to crisis situations, has been so successful that it has expanded to other communities.
The Bottom Line
Mandating wellness checks by police for mental health concerns is an essential step towards creating a more supportive and safe community. It can help identify people who need assistance and ensure that they receive the care they need. Programs that mandate wellness checks and specialize in mental health crises are becoming more common and have proven to be successful. It is time to prioritize mental health and ensure that the appropriate resources are available to those who need it most – this includes police officers who are on the front lines of these crises.
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