A Police Perspective on the Interaction with Individuals with Mental Disorders

Abstract

Police officers often come in contact with individuals suffering from behavior disturbances. The present study examined the subjective experience of these interactions from a police perspective to detect further needs in police trainings to make these interactions safer. N = 958 police officers filled out a questionnaire regarding their subjective experience. The questionnaire assessed the frequency of contact with individuals with behavior disturbances, specific challenges in regard to the interaction and associated subjective anxiety or stress as well as knowledge about behavior disturbances. Police staff experience individuals suffering from behavior disturbances often as unpredictable, verbally and physically aggressive. 27.9 % report anxiety in these interactions and 76 % report a lack of specific knowledge. Police training programs should focus on increasing mental health literacy, specific communication skills and anti-stigma interventions.