Mental Evaluation Unit
Program Highlights
- Multilayered approach that includes triage by trained dispatchers, 24-hour triage line, co-response teams, follow-up case managers, and focused community engagement
- Embedded mental health professionals in police agency
- Comprehensive data collection and information-sharing procedures
- Robust training strategy that includes 40-hour Mental Health Intervention Training
- Mental Health Crisis Response Program Advisory Board for engaging community partners
Systemwide Mental Assessment Response Team (SMART)
In 1993, Los Angeles was one of the first communities to develop and implement its police-mental health co-responder SMART program to supplement MEU activities. This program, which is co-supported by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH), helps uniformed officers effectively respond to and link people in crisis to appropriate mental health services. As of 2017, they deploy 17 SMART teams on a 24/7 basis.Senior Lead Officer Program
The MEU Senior Lead Officer (SLO) is responsible for the Police Bureau they are assigned and all of the Area Commands within their assigned Police Bureau. They act as a liaison with the Area Senior Lead Officers to provide an interface between the Area SLOs with Department the community, and Countywide resources to manage mental health related issues or concerns. This includes community meetings, COMPSTAT related concerns, and response strategies.
Case Assessment Management Program (CAMP)
In 2005, CAMP was implemented to help identify, track, and develop customized long-term intervention strategies. The program uses a case management approach to facilitate individuals’ treatment and minimize violence and repeat encounters involving emergency first responders. CAMP pairs police detectives with psychologists, nurses, and social workers from the LACDMH.
Triage Desk
The MEU’s long-established Triage Desk fields calls from patrol officers seeking guidance for managing situations involving people who appear to have mental illnesses. The triage officer consults the MEU database to learn if the person in question has a history of police contacts. A triage mental health nurse sits alongside the officer and can check the LACDMH databases to identify the case manager, psychiatrist, or treatment centers. The triage staff determines whether to dispatch a SMART team or have the patrol officer take the person directly to a mental health facility. LAPD personnel encountering a person believed to be in a mental health crisis must contact the Triage Desk for assistance and provide a detailed incident report. Subjects of frequent calls or interventions are referred to the CAMP coordinator for follow-up. Those follow-up reports and related database have more limited access to ensure privacy protections.
Administrative-Training Detail
The Administrative Training Detail is responsible for conducting the 40-hour Mental Health Intervention Training, which is delivered every other week. The Detail is also responsible for addressing mental health-related topics during training for Field Training Officers, Police Service Representatives (911 operators), and Adult Custody Officers (jail personnel).
Community Resources
Community Mental Health Resource Guide (English)
911 Checklist (English)
911 Checklist (Spanish)
Forms
MH 302 5150 Application
Social Media
Helpful Websites
Law Enforcement Mental Health Learning Sites
Police Mental Health Collaboration Toolkit
Roll Call Mental Health Training Series
LAPD’s Mental Health Intervention Training Program
National Alliance on Mental Illness
INTERESTING FACTS
Venice Beach is the second largest tourist attraction in California, after Disneyland
The LAPD was established in 1869
The Los Angeles Police Academy was used for the 1932 Olympic Game's pistol and rifle competitions
The Los Angeles Police Academy remains a favorite of filmmakers, whose "Academy Arches" are recognizable around the world
The LAPD was established in 1869
The Los Angeles Police Academy was used for the 1932 Olympic Game's pistol and rifle competitions
The Los Angeles Police Academy remains a favorite of filmmakers, whose "Academy Arches" are recognizable around the world