Law Enforcement, the Judiciary, and Mental Health: A Growing Partnership

Sometimes only a fine line separates individuals who are picked up by the police and sent to jail from those who are directed to mental health agencies. Because of the areas of overlap, increasing emphasis is being placed on partnerships between law enforcement, judicial, and mental health systems. The author describes how such partnerships were developed in Pima County, Arizona. He discusses problems and issues relating to the flow of funds and information between the systems, and stresses the need for learning to identify staff who can work effectively with other systems and for training them appropriately.