Episode #4 - The Role of Law Enforcement in Managing Psychiatric Crises

In this episode, Patricia speaks with Retired Detective III Charles Dempsey of the LAPD. A psychiatric nurse in a prior life, Detective Dempsey most recently was the Officer-In-Charge of the Training Detail, Crisis Response Support Section of the department.

The LAPD has a model Mental Evaluations Unit that includes a multi-layered approach to responding to incidents involving the mentally ill, including children. This includes trained dispatchers, mental health professionals who respond to calls with a police partner, case management and a robust mental health training requirement for all LAPD officers, which was overseen by Detective Dempsey. Even in retirement, Detective Dempsey remains a leader in the conversation on the overlap between mental health and law enforcement. We are lucky to chat with him today.

In My Backyard is brought to you by The Guidance Center, a children’s mental health agency in Long Beach, CA. In My Backyard is produced by Tricia Costales and Matthew Murray. Production assistance provided by Julie Ruano. Thank you to Jay Vincent B for original music. All other music licensed through SoundStripe. Thank you to our listeners and supporters.

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