In recent developments regarding mental health crisis responses in Los Angeles, the City Controller’s Office has made significant findings and recommendations concerning the Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) current approach. Highlighting the need for a paradigm shift, the assessments suggest that the LAPD’s Systemwide Mental Assessment Response Teams (SMART), which consist of mental health professionals and armed officers, should ideally take the lead on calls involving mental health crises—particularly in situations that do not involve weapons.
Background and Context
Historically, LAPD patrol officers have been the first responders to mental health crisis calls. This approach can create complications, often leading to unnecessarily aggressive responses that may escalate situations rather than de-escalate them. The City Controller Kenneth Mejia pointed out that current policies hinder mental health professionals’ ability to effectively intervene in crisis situations, ultimately reducing the chances of positive outcomes for individuals experiencing a mental health emergency.
A key finding from the assessment is that patrol officers, due to departmental guidelines, are predominantly the decision-makers in these scenarios. Dinah Manning, a senior advisor at the Controller’s Office, emphasized that responses often necessitate an "armed-first, police-first" mentality, which can exacerbate rather than alleviate tension. This shift in focus towards mental health teams aims to improve the overall approach to handling such crises.
The Call for Change
The Controller’s Office report serves as a response to unfortunate incidents, including a troubling 48-hour span where LAPD officers fatally shot three men, all of whom had histories of mental health issues. One particularly emblematic case involved Takar Smith, whose interaction with police escalated tragically despite his clear mental health challenges. This event, among others, has stirred public concern and highlighted the critical need for reform.
The findings indicate that even though the LAPD aims to work alongside SMART units during these sensitive calls, the SMART teams often find themselves in a secondary role, limiting their effectiveness. This practice prevents mental health professionals from applying their specialized skills to improve the situation at hand.
Recommendations for Improvement
The assessment proposes several actionable recommendations aimed at transforming the LAPD’s crisis response framework:
Revised Policy for Mental Health Responses: LAPD should adjust its policy to enable SMART units to lead responses to mental health-related calls that do not involve weapons. By doing so, the mental health professionals within these units can play a more proactive role in addressing crises.
Enhanced Training for SMART Officers: Currently, SMART officers are only required to complete the basic mental health intervention training provided by the LAPD, which is insufficient for the complex nature of mental health crises. The Controller’s Office emphasizes the importance of additional training tailored specifically to mental health responses.
Tracking and Evaluation Systems: There is a pressing need to develop mechanisms for systematically tracking the impact of SMART units on mental health-related incidents. This data can inform future policy and operational changes, ultimately leading to more effective crisis responses.
- Support for Unarmed Crisis Response Models: Continuing to fund and support the Unarmed Model of Crisis Response is crucial. This initiative involves dispatching unarmed mental health clinicians to nonviolent crisis situations, providing a less confrontational approach.
Conclusion
The assessment by the City Controller’s Office serves as a clarion call for reform in how LAPD handles mental health crises. By prioritizing the involvement of specialized mental health teams over armed patrol officers, Los Angeles can potentially reduce the risks associated with police responses to mental health emergencies. Implementing the recommended changes can pave the way for more humane, effective, and responsive approaches, ensuring that those in mental health crises receive the care and support they urgently require.
This important conversation not only addresses the challenges faced by LAPD but also highlights a broader societal issue regarding mental health awareness and response strategies. As communities look to the future, it is crucial that mental health is prioritized in emergency responses, fostering an environment where individuals receive appropriate care rather than punitive measures.
