Mental Health Among Perpetrators: Police Officers’ Perceptions

Abstract

Research suggested that police officers undertake mental health training in order to better their understanding of mental ill health among perpetrators. A model was devised in order to train student police officers on mental health by spending time in a mental health ward. However, the police force in question ceased using this model, continuing the misconception of mental ill health. The study aimed to draw on the personal experiences, perspectives and opinions of police officers on their understanding of mental ill health among perpetrators and the usefulness of their mental health training. A qualitative approach was taken in order to gather the personal perspectives of police officers. A Thematic Analysis was undertaken on the transcribed data. Findings suggested that police officers’ confidence in dealing with mentally ill perpetrators primarily came from first-hand experience rather than their mental health training. Suggestions for improvement of the mental health training focused on the addition of a practical element into the training rather than it being a solely information based approach.