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Friday, March 29, 2024

DHS, DoJ Working to Improve Interactions with Individuals with Mental Illness

Department of Homeland Security and Justice Department agents and officers are making efforts to improve responses to incidents involving individuals with mental illness, according to a GAO report.

The report found that all federal law enforcement officers and agents from DHS and DoJ were involved in some kind of training to enhance responses to incidents with individuals with mental illness. GAO also highlighted DoJ’s Bureau of Justice Assistance , a program that supports initiatives within law enforcement and has developed resources such as its Police Mental Health Collaboration Toolkit. BJA is also supporting a national training and technical assistance center.

GAO found that while DHS and DoJ have different missions and varying interactions with the public, their training efforts almost all focused on de-escalation and communication. The report also found that both agencies planned to review their policies and training around the challenges and implement any changes in 2018.

GAO conducted the study because it is required to review the practices that first responders, tactical units and corrections officers use under the 21st Century Cures Act. It selected five components across DHS and DoJ to review for the purpose of the study.

DHS, DoJ Working to Improve Interactions with Individuals with Mental Illness Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Today
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.
Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Todayhttp://www.hstoday.us
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.

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