ABSTRACT
People with mental health concerns are over-represented in police-involved deaths in Canada. Calls for alternative responses to people in crisis have generated interest in programs that partner police with mental health professionals. This review summarizes what is known about the effectiveness of co-response programs in meeting client and community needs. Methods followed PRISMA-ScR standards. Eight studies evaluating Canadian co-response programs were included. Co-response programs can reduce involuntary hospital transport, improve referrals, and decrease emergency department wait times. Research is needed to determine whether they reduce the use of force and meet client’s needs in the community.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Ethics approval
Research included in this manuscript has not involved human subjects and does not require REB/IRB approval
Originality
The following is original work, has not been previously published, and is not under consideration at another journal.