Please watch the following video: Why Are We Using Prisons to Treat Mental Illness? • OverCriminalized • BRAVE NEW FILMS (BNF)
How can we overcome the legacy of overcriminalization of mental illness?
Please leave at least three comments. One is your original contribution. And two comments are you replies to your classmates. Deadline: 10/15/23, 11:59 pm.
The best way to overcome the legacy of over criminalization would definitely be to properly train law enforcements to reading a scenario and understanding the difference with individuals with mental health and better ways to physically deal with them. Investing in tactics and mental health courts as well as incarceration centers to protect the individuals and others. It’s unsafe the prison condition they are in as it strains their minds and can result in others being harmed or themselves!
Hello Tatianna,
I completely agree with your viewpoint, particularly with regard to how critical it is for law enforcement personnel to have training so they can identify and manage cases involving people who are struggling with mental health issues. It’s critical to be able to distinguish between signs of a mental illness and criminal intent. It’s also quite true what you say about how prison conditions exacerbate mental health problems. It emphasizes how important it is to have facilities or programs designed specifically for them.
Hello Tatianna! I agree that mental health courts are great because they can lessen recidivism and violent behavior by criminal justice system users with mental illnesses. A significant national issue is the criminal justice system. I agree that the prison conditions are horrible and that will make their mental health even worse as they are not even in a good environment. Nice response. I like how you said for law enforcement to be trained so this way they can study and help each individual.
I also believe that officers should be trained for these certain situations. In the video, it states that thousands of people with mental health crises were locked up. I agree prisons are no institution for a person with mental health issues, they should feel safe not threatened. These jails don’t provide the necessary treatment for mental health issues.
Hey Tatianna
I completely agree with your statement being educated in the different mental illness and how they affect someone’s thinking and behavior and creating tactics based off scenarios from the past to prevent criminalization of mental illness
Considering the severe consequences of overcriminalizing mental illness, it seems obvious to me that systemic reform and education are necessary for change. Through raising awareness and sharing personal experiences, we may dispel myths and foster empathy. We also need to encourage cross-sector collaboration, especially between law enforcement and mental health providers. We can move from punitive measures to a compassionate approach and ensure that people with mental health difficulties receive the assistance and understanding they rightfully need by uniting and committing to legal reforms.
Dear Genesis, I agree that the Criminal Justice system and education need to change. I like how you said we need law enforcement and mental health providers this way everyone can get together and change and decrease overcriminalizing mental illness. I have never thought about sharing personal experiences and that is a great idea. Being heard by others and sharing our tales enables us to remember the worth of our lives. It can aid in the release of stress or worry in the person and help them perceive their life from a fresh perspective. Overall, great response. You nailed it!
Hi Genesis, as Alyssa I also agree security and education are necessary for change but in my opinion I think that for security everybody need to change, everybody need to change their mind and start doing the right things and for education that’s our job too, every start when we are young, our parents need to tell us what are the rights things and make us go it. If not, It’s going to be difficult to make a change.
Greetings, Genesis. I concur with Alyssa’s belief that security and education are vital components to effecting change. In my personal view, effective security requires a shift in perspective, with each individual taking ownership of their actions. Education, on the other hand, is a responsibility we hold to instill proper values and principles from an early age. Our parents play a pivotal role in this endeavor, offering guidance to cultivate positive habits and make sound choices. Without this crucial foundation, it would prove challenging to bring about significant progress.
We can overcome the legacy of overcriminalization of mental illness through a strong crisis response system, extensive community mental health treatment, and early intervention. It is possible to be healed from mental health because nobody is born “evil” or “crazy”. They are a product of their environment. It is possible to heal within yourself through self-care and teamwork with others. Their brain will eventually regenerate. Neuronal connections can be strengthened and improved or weakened and broken. This phenomenon is known as neuroplasticity, or “brain plasticity.” Our abilities alter when there are changes in the physical brain. Cognitive therapy is the best way to overcome mental illness for overcriminalization because psychological counseling (CBT) assists clients in identifying and altering the cognitive patterns that result in unhelpful behavior. (CBT) for offenders places a strong emphasis on individual responsibility, assists offenders in understanding the decisions that led to their crimes, and teaches them alternative behaviors and mental patterns. The ideas of experimental-clinical psychology are combined with those of social and developmental psychology in the cognitive-behavioral theory. The theory contends that social conduct is learned and is used to explain crime and delinquency.
The best way to overcome the legacy of over criminalization would be to change the systemic reform and education that are taught to our law enforcement .They need to raise awareness and be able to share their own experiences and be able to relate to these issues. We also need to increase the interaction between law enforcement and mental health providers. It’s critical to be able to distinguish between signs of a mental illness and criminal intent and this can make the lives of not only the mentally ill easier, but our law officers.
Hello Elijah I agree with your response, I also think that the system needs to raise awarness on mental health. It’s very important to know between criminal intent and mental breakdown due to the lack of training and awarness on this subject police fail to recognize a distress call and criminal behavior. Which leads to using deadly force on a person who just needs to talk or help.
It’s unfortunate that this conversation is still being had today. There are countless reports and documentation of people with mental illness having horrible encounters with uninformed police officers. A 911 caller, if knowledgeable, should notify dispatch if the individual in question suffers from any mental illness. A person with schizophrenia is sure to display unpredictable actions, so officers should approach them in a professional manner. The key is having patience with them and/or notifying their caretaker or doctor, to identify which procedures should be in place to ensure their safety. However we can’t ignore the idea that individuals with mental health issues may react aggressively. If someone is wielding a knife seeking to harm themselves or another, then non-fatal tactics should disarm them. This solution will allow the public to maintain with the police department. A family shouldn’t believe that their loved one with serious mental issues is at risk of being killed if they’re unattended in a high-stress situation involving police. The guy in the video stated that some officers weren’t agreeable with being trained on how to de-escalate situations regarding people suffering from mental health issues, and those very officers don’t respect the people they’re employed to protect and serve. It’s a dangerous way of thinking considering people today are enduring stressful times. People are falling into depression every day due to finances, relationships, jobs, racism, poverty, and addictions. Its time our police force included proper mental health procedures for future investigations.
Hi Courtney,
The ongoing issue of police interactions with individuals suffering from mental illness is indeed concerning. Officers should receive comprehensive training in de-escalation techniques and handling mental health crises. Patience, communication, and understanding are essential. In cases of potential harm, non-lethal tactics should be used to disarm the individual, emphasizing preserving life. Respecting the rights and safety of those with mental health issues is crucial to maintaining trust between the public and the police. It’s true that society faces numerous stressors, that contribute to mental health challenges. The police force should adapt to these realities, integrating proper mental health procedures into their protocols to better serve and protect the community, reducing the risks associated with high-stress encounters involving individuals with mental health issues. This approach benefits everyone involved.
The topic of overcriminalization of mental illness is multifaceted, with varying viewpoints on how to address it. One perspective suggests that redirecting those with mental health challenges from the criminal justice system to mental health treatment programs is the first step toward reform. This approach emphasizes the importance of early intervention, increasing access to mental health services, and creating crisis intervention teams specifically for mental health cases. Others advocate for a broader societal approach, including reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, increasing public awareness, and educating both law enforcement and the public about de-escalation techniques. However, some critics express concerns regarding public safety and support stricter measures to manage potentially dangerous individuals with mental illness, arguing that treatment alone is not always sufficient. Ultimately, a comprehensive, well-rounded approach is necessary to address the issue of overcriminalization of mental illness, balancing the need for public safety with the rights and well-being of those with mental health challenges.
Hi everyone,
Overcoming the legacy of overcriminalization of mental illness requires a comprehensive and compassionate approach that recognizes the complex interplay between mental health, the criminal justice system, and societal attitudes. Provide comprehensive training for law enforcement officers to help them recognize and respond to individuals with mental illness in a way that prioritizes their well-being and safety. This includes de-escalation techniques and understanding the signs of mental illness. Invest in community-based mental health treatment and support services, such as outpatient care, crisis intervention, and supportive housing. This can help prevent people with mental illness from becoming involved in the criminal justice system in the first place. Promote awareness and education about mental illness to reduce stigma and discrimination. This can lead to more understanding and compassion in the community, making it easier for individuals to seek help. Recognize that this is a long-term problem, and solutions require ongoing commitment and resources. Ensure that reforms are sustained over time.
In order to overcome the legacy of overcriminalization of mental illness is to provide police officers more training on people who struggle with mental health crises. I believe that mental health is often confused with aggressive behavior. This leads to an escalation between police and the one in crisis, If the police officer doesn’t know how to approach the person it can lead to an aggressive approach, due to the training police are taught. There should be more awareness of mental health crises, certain cops in the video expressed their opinion some said they didn’t believe in hug-a-thug training. The reason why they believe this is because they aren’t well informed on mental health. Police officers follow the training they are taught so if they are educated on these subjects they can handle different scenarios correctly. Instead of booking mental illness patients, I believe the correct way is to find help for them, other resources can impact the patient in a positive way.
Hey Andi, I agree we could get confused with mental illness and aggressive behavior, which is why should educate ourselves and others on this matter.
As stated in the above posted YouTube video, most police officers never receive proper mental illness training. Law enforcement should provide comprehensive training for law enforcement officers on recognizing and de-escalating situations involving individuals with mental illnesses. Encouraging the use of crisis intervention teams (CIT) of specially trained officers is also an imperative step in having law enforcement be properly equipped to handle situations with those who are mentally ill. The development of mental health diversion programs should be instated. It should allow individuals with mental illness to receive treatment and support instead of incarceration. These programs should be available at all stages of the criminal justice system, from pre-arrest diversion to post-conviction alternatives. It is also important to educate the public to help overcome the legacy of overcriminalization of the mentally ill. It would reduce stigma and increase the understanding of those who are mentally ill and in turn, this can lead to more supportive communities.
Hi Livia,
Education and awareness within the public are also important factors in reducing stigma and increasing understanding of those who are mentally ill. This can contribute to the creation of more supportive communities, fostering an environment in which individuals with mental illnesses can seek help and lead healthier lives.
Overall, the combination of improved training for law enforcement, mental health diversion programs, and public education can help address the challenges faced by individuals with mental illnesses and create a more compassionate and effective criminal justice system.
Some argue that building a more supportive community should not solely rely on law enforcement but should involve community organizations, social services, and mental health professionals. Encouraging collaboration among these entities may be an alternative way to support individuals with mental illnesses.
Tailoring responses to individuals is another aspect to consider. Mental health is a highly diverse field, and what works for one person may not work for another. Some may advocate for more individualized approaches to address mental health crises, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all training program.
Hello Livia,
I agree with your sentiments in this discussion. Most police officers lack the proper training to assist these individuals in crisis. You highlighted the need for comprehensive training and de-escalation, which is extremely vital if we tackle this situation. Education is important and the more each of us knows, the better suited we are to help those in need.
Hey Livia, that is correct! Most police departments are funding the wrong things, the first thing they should is properly training these officers, to help any and every situation they can.
I believe we can overcome the legacy of overcriminalization of mental illness by communication and educating those skeptical. Mental illness is a real case that individuals deal with daily; some individuals’ lives can completely change due to mental illness. This can cause people to lose jobs, relationships, and their will to live. Mental illness, is some way, affects everyone. Individuals with access to healthcare that provides them with mental health resources can continue their lives just as before. Still, their acknowledging mental illness makes the battle more accessible for them. You cannot blame someone for what they don’t know and then discriminate because of that fact. We should start emotional awareness early so children who become adults can deal with their emotions. I think what is vital is that we do not pair criminality with mental illness. yes, there are cases where this occurs, but we should also develop programs to help those suffering. The criminal justice system is the first call for mental illness crises; we should look at other resources like crisis intervention programs and peer support groups.
We can overcome the legacy of overcriminialization of mental illness in many ways. The first way is by educating ourselves. Increasing public awareness and understanding of mental health could really do good to society. We could have schools educate the future on what is mental health and exactly how important it is to us. Another way is by properly training law enforcement. The budget of NYPD officers increases at a dramatic rate, yet they are not funding the training. Properly training law enforcement could help them recognize and understand the needs of specific individuals. The government can fund some programs, where they specialize in helping the people with mental illness.
Hi Antonio, you’re right, and your solutions are essential for overcoming the legacy of overcriminalization of mental illness. Education and awareness campaigns can reduce stigma and promote understanding of mental health issues, starting with schools to ensure future generations are better informed.
We should do a few different things to fix the problem of treating mental illness as a crime. First, we should send people with mental illness to treatment programs instead of jail. We can train the police to handle situations with these people more gently. We can also create special courts to deal with mental illness cases. There should also be better mental health services in the communities around impacted areas. Another solution could be to change laws that lead to too many mentally ill people going to jail. It should also be a given that insurance covers mental health treatment. We can stop treating minor, non-violent offenses as crimes for people with mental illness. Finally, we should work together to talk about and solve these problems so people with mental illness get the help they need and aren’t treated as criminals.
To overcome the legacy of overcriminalization of mental illness, we need to go from aggressive approaches to more humane and supportive strategies. This includes keeping mental health issues away from the criminal justice system and increasing access to mental health treatment.
Hi Azmain
I Agree with with your idea of approach mental illness cases in a much more humane and supportive strategies instead of going with an aggressive approach.
Properly training law enforcement officers or even first responders can be a solution to overcome the legacy of over criminalization of mental illness. What I mean by being properly trained is being mentally prepared knowing how to approach, talk to, someone with mental illness and knowing how to make them feel that they are safe in the situation. I believe law enforcement should be trained to have a successful detainment, situations don’t always go right so training officers to successfully take control they should know how to proceed with detainment or arrest so the someone with mental illness doesn’t feel unsafe, attacked, or in danger. Not only is training a solution but also being educated on the different mental illness and how they affect someone’s behavior,etc.
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