LAPD's SMART unit

The Los Angeles Police Department's SMART unit (Systemwide Mental Assessment Response Team) handles people suspected of being mentally ill. The team's most prominent case has been handling Britney Spears' commitment on a 5150 Involuntary psychiatric hold. [cite news | title=Britney Spears taken to hospital by police: report | publisher ="Reuters" | date =2007-01-31 | url = http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSN3128619820080131?feedType=nl&feedName=usmorningdigest | accessdate =2007-01-31]

Area of Focus

Los Angeles Police Department Systemwide Mental Assessment Response Team (SMART). The SMART teams consist of Los Angeles Police Department officers and mental health clinicians. The Teams assess persons and families experiencing a mental health crisis by assisting field patrol officers in the rapid response to persons suspected of having a mental illness. The Department of Mental Health has partnered with Los Angeles County, City, and other municipal law enforcement agencies to provide immediate field response to situations involving mentally ill, violent or high-risk individuals. DMH-Law Enforcement teams respond to 911 calls for assistance whenever mental illness is reported or suspected. Teams also respond to requests from PMRT or law enforcement patrol officers for mental health assistance

History

The SMART team was created in January, 1993 after a task force concluded that more needed to be done to help the mentally ill population. Each SMART team includes a mental health professional and a police officer. [http://www.lapdonline.org/home/pdf_view/5517]

References