As reported in Ashland Source (1/20/24), Chief David Lay discussed a report about number of cases and types of encounters that the Ashland Police Department dealt with in 2023.
This report is public record, and can be requested by anyone in Ashland County. It is obvious that they have been reached out to for assistance frequently. The Ashland Police Department dealt with almost 2,000 incidents.
Certain types of incident types, not fully addressed, must be acknowledged. All are related to issues surrounding mental health and substance use.
These are the breakdowns of numbers of relevant “incidents,” 2023 totals. Certain “types” are not specific enough to know whether or not mental health or drug use issues are involved (e.g., disturbance).
MENTAL DISORDER – NON-VIOLENT 1
EMOTIONALLY DISTURBED 104
THREATENING SUICIDE 22
ATTEMPTED SUICIDE 2
DRUG OVERDOSE 17
DRUG COMPLAINT 173
(INTOXICATION 22)
Primary issues, from my perspective, are two-pronged:
(1) Supporting and educating police officers, connecting them well with mental health providers when they’re responding to calls associated with mental health crises, helping them to be better “connected” with those who are facing mental health challenges or substance use disorders; and
(2) Changing terminology for those labeled as “emotionally disturbed.”
First, there are at least two examples of efforts being made to support police officers as they face marked stress, possibly being at risk of suicide:
The Copline option is discussed in a Richland Source article (12/10/23), privacy and confidentiality are preserved. Police officers can speak openly about suicidal thoughts without fear of having someone “knock at their door.”
The MHRB of Ashland County is hosting a free training session for Officer/First Responder Wellness and Suicide Prevention, with Steve Click presenting (Director, Ohio Office of First Responder Wellness) on February 21 or February 22, Sheriff’s Annex.
However, there is a need to offer ongoing educational opportunities about trauma-informed care and trauma-responsive care. It would be valuable to explore if and how frequently the ones called to the scene have received such training.
What is the veritable relationship between the police department, the MHRB, and local mental health agencies? How frequently are mental health professionals called upon to provide assistance or to share suggestions when officers are dealing with
Ashland residents’ mental health crisis situations?
And how can we address the following: Those with mental health challenges may be afraid to reach out to crisis lines or call 988 because they may perceive the risks to be too high that the police will arrive and play a major role in having them admitted to psychiatric wards.
Research findings clearly indicate that some individuals with mental health issues have been traumatized by services received through the specialty mental health sector, and through “interventions” by the police.
Second, we need to consider alternative terminology for those who are identified/labeled as “emotionally disturbed.” This may be possible to do in Ashland County, even if the label issued typically throughout Ohio by law enforcement.
How individuals are designated, and what information is provided in public reports (e.g., home addresses) compromises privacy and confidentiality. This, unintentionally, places someone at risk of being stigmatized more, of being faced with defamation, discrimination, even being closely monitored by neighbors.
In short, when you look at the case numbers and consider the two issues addressed above, what it suggests, from my perspective: A need for community-level education and forums to address suicide risks, mental health challenges, substance use issues, stigma, and safety.
Also, we need to consider how there can be a “safe” connection between individuals with mental health diagnostic labels and law enforcement.
It seems to me that the “Coffee with a Cop” (read brief description in Ashland Source, 1/23/2024) type of event could be broadened in scope.
Could an alliance be forged between mental health consumers and law enforcement, providing a safe place to talk? Would Ashland agencies/organizations that work with these individuals have viable suggestions about how to pull this off? \
For example, look at what TRIAD/SALT Council is doing and what is “working;” a strong alliance has been forged between seniors and law enforcement, and they engage in open dialogues.
Diana Spore, PhD, MGS
Ashland, Ohio