Police-Mental Health Collaboration Programs: Checklist for County and City Leaders

Law enforcement responses to people with mental illnesses are among the most complex and time-consuming calls for officers, threaten the safety of officers and residents alike, and have the potential for tragic outcomes. Law enforcement and behavioral health agency leaders across the country are increasingly partnering to develop Police-Mental Health Collaboration (PMHC) programs as part of a comprehensive approach to improve outcomes for this population, but also to help communities prioritize resources to have the greatest impact on public safety. This checklist is designed to help local leaders (e.g., mayors, county executives, commissioners, city managers, and council members) to quickly gauge whether their community's PMHC program corresponds to best practices, is built on strong collaboration between law enforcement and behavioral health agencies, and strives to improve outcomes for people with mental illnesses.