As reported in the Ashland Source (1/20/24), Chief David Ray discussed a report on the number of incidents and types of encounters handled by the Ashland Police Department in 2023.
This report is public record and can be requested by anyone in Ashland County. It is clear that they are frequently called upon for assistance.The Ashland Police Department has handled approximately 2,000 cases. incident.
certain types of Incident type, we need to recognize that it has not been fully addressed. All relate to issues surrounding mental health and drug use.
These are the breakdowns of the total number of relevant “incidents” for 2023. The specific “type” is not specific enough to know if mental health or drug use issues are involved (such as mental disorders).
Mental disorders – non-violence 1
emotionally confused 104
Suicide threat 22
suicide attempt 2
drug overdose 17
Drug complaints 173
(Poisoning 22)
From my perspective, there are two sides to the main problem.
(1) Support and educate police officers to work well with mental health providers when responding to calls related to mental health crises, and to engage police officers with people facing mental health issues or substance use disorders; We support people to be better connected.and
(2) Change the terminology for people classified as “emotionally disturbed.”
First, there are at least two examples of efforts to support police officers facing significant stress and at risk of suicide.
The Copline option is described in the Richland Source article (12/10/23) and maintains privacy and confidentiality. Police officers can openly talk about suicidal thoughts without fear of someone “knocking on the door.”
The Ashland County MHRB will be hosting a Police Officer/First Responder Health Conference on February 21st or February 22nd at the Sheriff Annex with Steve Crick, Director of the Ohio Department of First Responder Health. and hosts free training sessions for suicide prevention.
However, continuing education opportunities regarding trauma-informed care and trauma-responsive care must be provided. It would be worthwhile to investigate whether and how often those called to the scene have received such training.
What is the real relationship between police departments, the MHRB, and local mental health agencies? Do mental health professionals provide assistance while police officers are dealing with issues? How often do you share your suggestions?
Is there a mental health crisis among Ashland residents?
And how can we address issues such as: People with mental health problems perceive themselves as too high a risk, with police arriving and playing a big role in hospitalizing them? They may be afraid to contact crisis lines or call 988 because of their concerns. To the psychiatric ward.
Research clearly shows that some people with mental health problems are traumatized by the services they receive through specialist mental health departments and police ‘interventions’.
Second, alternative terminology for people identified/labeled as ’emotionally disturbed’ needs to be considered. This may be possible to do in Ashland County even though labels are typically issued by law enforcement throughout Ohio.
How individuals are designated and what information is provided in public reports (such as home addresses) violates privacy and confidentiality. This inadvertently puts someone at risk of further stigmatization, defamation and discrimination, and increased scrutiny from their neighbors.
So, if you look at the case numbers and consider the two issues above, here’s what that suggests from my perspective. The need for community-level education and forums to address suicide risk, mental health issues, substance use issues, stigma and stigma. And safety.
We also need to consider how “safe” connections can be established between individuals with mental health diagnostic labels and law enforcement.
It seems like a “Coffee with the Cop” (read a brief description in Ashland Source, January 23, 2024) type event could expand its scope.
Is it possible to build an alliance between mental health consumers and law enforcement and provide a safe space for discussion? Ashland agencies/organizations that work with these individuals can discuss how to make this happen. Do you have a viable suggestion?\
For example, let’s look at what the TRIAD/SALT Council does and what “works”. There is a strong partnership and open dialogue between seniors and law enforcement.
Dr. Diana Spore, MGS
Ashland, Ohio
