History of the Mental Evaluation Unit (MEU)

The Los Angeles Police Department’s Mental Evaluation Unit (MEU) has been serving the communities of Los Angeles for more than 70 years by improving police response to individuals experiencing mental illness or behavioral crisis.

What began in 1948 as basic guidance for officers on handling mental health-related incidents has evolved into one of the most comprehensive law enforcement–mental health collaborative models in the nation.

In September 1965, the Department established the “Hospital Section,” which was responsible for the preliminary investigation and processing of individuals experiencing mental illness. In 1976, it became known as the “Mental Evaluation Detail” and was formalized within the Department in 1985. The following year, in 1986, the Mental Evaluation Unit (MEU) was officially established to provide specialized oversight, coordination, and support for incidents involving mental health crises.

Partnership & Co-Response

In 1993, the Department partnered with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health to launch the Systemwide Mental Assessment Response Team (SMART).

SMART pairs specially trained officers with licensed mental health clinicians to respond to crisis calls throughout the City of Los Angeles.

This co-response model allows for:

• On-scene mental health assessments;
• De-escalation and crisis communication;
• Connection to treatment and community services; and,
• Reduced repeat crisis encounters.

Today, SMART operates Citywide, 24 hours a day.

Prevention & Follow-Up

In 2005, MEU created the Case Assessment Management Program (CAMP) to focus on individuals who frequently come to police attention or who may be at elevated risk.

CAMP works proactively with service providers, families, and community partners to improve long-term outcomes and reduce repeated crisis responses.

Training & Professional Standards

MEU places strong emphasis on training and quality through continuous improvement.

In 2010, MEU was recognized nationally as a Law Enforcement–Mental Health Learning Site, providing peer-to-peer support and training to agencies across the country, and continue to do so today.

In 2014, the MEU Training Unit developed a 40-hour, POST-certified Mental Health Intervention Training (MHIT) course that equips officers with:

• De-escalation strategies;
• Legal standards and documentation requirements;
• Crisis communication skills; and,
• Scenario-based exercises, including virtual reality integration (added in 2022).

As of March 2026:

• More than 6400 LAPD personnel have completed MHIT; and
• Over 645 personnel from outside agencies have also completed the course.

In 2024, the MEU Training Unit developed the first 16-hour, POST-certified Mental Health Intervention Training for Investigators (MHITi) course that equips investigators with
with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and resources necessary to effectively complete an investigation involving a person suspected of having a mental illness.

Supporting the Community Today

MEU currently provides:

• 24/7 crisis triage support from MEU officers to patrol officers;
• Officer-clinician co-response teams (SMART);
• Long-term follow-up through CAMP;
• Senior Lead Officer community/mental health liaisons (SLO program);
• In-service mental health-related training (MEU Training Unit); and
• Community resource tools, including a Mental Health Resources QR code (launched in 2023).

The Unit continues to evolve alongside 988 implementation, diversion programs, research partnerships, and advances in training technology.

Our Commitment

The Mental Evaluation Unit remains committed to:

• Protecting public safety;
• Prioritizing de-escalation;
• Supporting officers with specialized resources;
• Connecting individuals and families to appropriate care; and
• Continuously improving through data, research, and community collaboration.

MEU’s mission is to ensure that compassion, professionalism, and accountability guide every mental health–related response.

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