Author(s):
Latscha, K., Fatebene, N. & Oechsler, P

Institution:
Hochschule für Polizei Baden-Württemberg

Title:
The added value of mandatory training on dealing with mentally ill people for police action in operational situations

Abstract:
Mental disorders and abnormalities in connection with po­lice operations are a challenge for all deployed forces. Such operational situations also harbor the risk of physical injury or even death. In the media, questions often arise regarding the training of the police in dealing with mentally ill people. This article analyzes the data from a study conducted by the Baden-Württemberg police, which investigated the question of whether mandatory training on this topic has an influence on police actions in such operational situations. It was found that the attitudes of the participants in the training changed in the survey 9-12 months after the training, including the following significant changes: more understanding in dealing with those affected, greater willingness to have a longer conversation, i.e.to solve the situation communicatively and to ask those affected about their own skills and ways of coping with the situation.

S. 36-43