ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the demands of policing by mental health-related calls, using ‘mental health crises’ as an example of how a particular form of ‘wicked problem’ impacts the police operational environment. This matter is first introduced with a brief introduction to the relevant literature to historically situate the emergence and identification of this issue as a police problem. Subsequently, this chapter draws on the analysis of media reporting, policy documents, and police statements to chart changes in three key areas: public awareness of the issue, policymaker responses, and policing attitudes and responses. Using this same chronological approach with the qualitative interview and observational data, the police operational environment and the impact of the changes described above on the police role and function are then examined. Finally, this chapter concludes with a brief overview of its main findings.
