empathy

When facing a mental health crisis, calling the police often seems like the logical step. However, numerous instances have shown that police intervention can sometimes worsen situations for individuals experiencing mental health issues. The root of the problem lies in the differing approaches and training of law enforcement versus mental health professionals. A mental health crisis requires a compassionate, calm, and patient response, which is not always feasible in traditional policing environments. Most police officers are trained in enforcing the law and maintaining public safety, but they often lack specialized training in handling mental health crises. According to data from…