Police tactics in incidents with mentally disturbed persons

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Abstract
In recent years police departments have responded to increasing numbers of incidents involving mentally disturbed people. Data for this study were drawn from a survey of 90 officers in a special unit mandated to respond to such situations and from their detailed descriptions of 90 specific incidents. Explores the types of incidents, their relative frequency, the characteristics of such incidents, and especially police tactics considered to be effective or ineffective. Discusses the findings in terms of police department organizational structure as well as individual officers’ beliefs about the mentally disturbed and tactical choices.