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<p>In most areas of the United States, law enforcement officers (LEOs) serve as first responders for 911-calls related to behavioral health crises. We aimed to explore LEOs perceptions of behavioral health crisis calls and perceived preparedness for crisis response. In addition, we aimed to understand LEO knowledge and perceptions of the national behavioral health crisis hotline, 988. Given the relative novelty of 988, we know very little about LEO perceptions of this service. Twenty-two active LEOs from across (STATE) participated in one of five focus groups. Thematic Analyses themes include: unpredictability, systemic issues, time-consuming and cyclical, accountability, and alternative crisis response models including 988. Specifically, qualitative findings indicate officers perceived behavioral health crises as highly unpredictable and highlighted systemic deficiencies. LEOs expressed skepticism about 988’s efficacy and sustainability voicing concerns about funding. This study highlights LEOs’ perceptions of inadequate community mental health resources and treatment accessibility, signaling potential support within the LEO community for increasing access to community-based behavioral health crisis resources. In addition, these data suggest potential LEO reservations regarding 988 implementation and sustainability.</p>

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“The Issue Is So Much Bigger Than Us” A Qualitative Exploration of Law Enforcement Experiences With Behavioral Health Crisis Calls and 988

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年8月3日

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  • Jennifer Cox,
  • Catherine Esbenshade,
  • Cassandra Jensen,
  • Cassidy White,
  • Lauren Kois

摘要

In most areas of the United States, law enforcement officers (LEOs) serve as first responders for 911-calls related to behavioral health crises. We aimed to explore LEOs perceptions of behavioral health crisis calls and perceived preparedness for crisis response. In addition, we aimed to understand LEO knowledge and perceptions of the national behavioral health crisis hotline, 988. Given the relative novelty of 988, we know very little about LEO perceptions of this service. Twenty-two active LEOs from across (STATE) participated in one of five focus groups. Thematic Analyses themes include: unpredictability, systemic issues, time-consuming and cyclical, accountability, and alternative crisis response models including 988. Specifically, qualitative findings indicate officers perceived behavioral health crises as highly unpredictable and highlighted systemic deficiencies. LEOs expressed skepticism about 988’s efficacy and sustainability voicing concerns about funding. This study highlights LEOs’ perceptions of inadequate community mental health resources and treatment accessibility, signaling potential support within the LEO community for increasing access to community-based behavioral health crisis resources. In addition, these data suggest potential LEO reservations regarding 988 implementation and sustainability.