Police-Mental Health Collaboration (PMHC) Toolkit

Introduction: Shared Program Management

Police-Mental Health Collaboration programs are best managed through a collaborative partnership between law enforcement agencies, mental health agencies and mental health advocacy organizations representing people with mental illness and their families. Advocacy groups include local chapters of Mental Health America, NAMI, and mental health peer organizations in your community.  People with mental illness, their families and advocates should be equal partners...

Editor’s Note:

People living with mental illness have an important role to play in collaborating with law enforcement and service providers. They may have many types of experiences interacting with law enforcement. Tami’s story, below, describes some challenging interactions. These stories are a starting point for learning about the perspectives and concerns of people living with mental illness. To learn more, reach out to people...

Editor’s Note:

People living with mental illness have an important role to play in collaborating with law enforcement and service providers. They may have many types of experiences interacting with law enforcement. Justin’s story, below, describes both challenging and helpful interactions. Stories like Justin’s are a starting point for learning about the perspectives and concerns of people living with mental illness. To learn more, reach...

Introduction

Sergeant A.D. Paul is a 33-year veteran of the Plano, TX Police Department and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He coordinates Plano P.D.’s Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program and testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee’s hearing on Law Enforcement Encounters with People with Disabilities in 2014. Sgt. Paul is the father of 15-year-old Christopher, who is on the autism spectrum.

In...