Study shows benefit of integrating police officers into community mental health teams

An independent study analyzing police data from 2008 to 2019 suggests that integrating police officers onto Victoria Community Treatment (ACT) teams reduces the risk of violence and provides crucial mental health support to clients who might otherwise lack adequate assistance. The study suggests that this does not result in the criminalization of mental illness. 

“We are very pleased to see the positive impact our officers are having on supporting individuals with mental health issues, as reflected in this independent study,” said Chief Del Manak.

Many of the people we encounter daily have complex needs that are often related to mental health. This report challenges the notion that police should not play a role in supporting these individuals and underscores the importance of collaboration between police officers and health professionals.” 

—Chief Del Manak, VicPD 

Since 2007, VicPD has integrated officers onto ACT teams to enhance support for individuals with serious mental health issues. This model allows officers with a focus on mental health to work alongside a range of health professionals, helping clients maintain stability within the community and reducing their involvement with the criminal justice system.

 “The study findings align with our staff perception that the integration of police officers into clinical Assertive Community Treatment teams results in lower incidence of client criminalization and greater safety for clients, staff and the community in general,” said Kelly Reid, Island Health director of south island complex care. “Integration and partnership in this way are an effective approach to positive change for everyone.” 

Island Health and VicPD approached UVic to conduct the study, due to the lack of research on the effectiveness of police officers within ACT teams. Researchers had access to anonymized police data on interactions between ACT clients and police, with demographic characteristics (e.g., police-identified sex and race) included for reporting purposes. 

Overall, the data suggest that the police on ACT teams support clients by understanding potentially concerning behavior in the context of mental health rather than the context of criminality.”

—Erica Woodin, UVic psychologist and researcher for the IMPACT report

The findings indicate that the Victoria ACT program effectively reduces the risk of violent behaviours that could endanger both ACT staff and the public. Clients perceived by police as racialized (e.g., Indigenous, Black, or Asian) experienced a more significant reduction in criminal police encounters after joining ACT compared to those perceived as white. Additionally, clients with a history of violence had fewer police interactions related to violence and received more mental health-related support from police after joining ACT. This suggests that the Victoria ACT model not only successfully reduces the risk of violence but also enhances mental health support for clients who might otherwise lack adequate assistance if police were not embedded within the teams. 

Our study suggests that police involvement on ACT teams is a win-win model that promotes safety and stability for ACT clients, for staff working with them and for the wider community.”

—Catherine Costigan, UVic psychologist and researcher for the IMPACT report

To read the full report, visit: UVic-IMPACT-Report-2024.pdf (vicpd.ca). Questions regarding the report can be directed to UVic’s Faculty of Social Sciences at sosccomm@uvic.ca 

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