Evaluation of a Mental Health Liaison Program at a Small Police Department

Emma Leaman

Many small and rural police officers are unable to adequately respond to mental health crises because small and rural police departments vary in size of budget, access to equipment, and the quantity, diversity, and experience of officers. Yet, service calls for persons with mental illness comprise a large portion of patrol officers' workloads, disproportionately affecting small and rural police departments. This study examines the influence of a newly developed mental health liaison program on calls for service, and officer morale. Program implementation, program evaluation findings, and study limitations will be discussed.

Major: 
Criminal Justice
Exhibition Category: 
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Exhibition Format: 
Oral Presentation
Campus: 
Harrisburg
Faculty Sponsor: 
Jennifer Gibbs
Poster Number: 
51881