California Law Enforcement Reassesses Response to Mental Health Crises

In recent months, several sheriff’s departments in California have begun to alter their response protocols for 911 calls involving mental health crises. Notably, Sacramento Sheriff Jim Cooper announced in February 2025 that his deputies would only respond to such calls if a crime had occurred or if there was imminent danger to others. Similarly, El Cajon Police Chief Jeremiah Larson implemented a comparable policy in May 2025. Other agencies, including the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Long Beach Police Department, have indicated they may respond but will not remain on the scene if no crime is occurring and the individual in crisis poses no threat.

The Guardian

This shift follows a 2024 federal court ruling that held Nevada police officers accountable for the death of Ray Anthony Scott, a man with schizophrenia who died during a police encounter. The ruling highlighted the dangers of police involvement in mental health crises, prompting California law enforcement to reconsider their roles in such situations.

The Guardian

Between 2015 and 2024, police in the United States shot and killed 2,057 individuals experiencing mental health crises, accounting for 20% of all police killings. California reported at least 274 fatalities in this context, the highest of any state. The Treatment Advocacy Center (TAC) emphasizes that individuals with untreated mental illness often have disproportionate interactions with law enforcement, which can escalate due to misinterpretations of their behavior.

The Guardian

Chief Larson noted the need for alternatives to police intervention, stating, “Sometimes just the mere presence of a police officer can escalate a situation.” In lieu of police response, his department has begun directing callers to mental health resources, including the national suicide prevention hotline 988 and the San Diego Access and Crisis Line.

The Guardian

Despite the push for reduced police involvement, challenges remain. Many communities lack adequate mental health response teams and funding, leading to concerns about the effectiveness of this new approach. Le Ondra Clark Harvey, CEO of the California Behavioral Health Association, argues that all first responders should receive robust mental health training to ensure appropriate responses.

The Guardian

In El Cajon, firefighters expressed frustration over being left to manage mental health crises without police support. To address this, Larson’s department has coordinated with local fire services to clarify response protocols for ambiguous situations.

The Guardian

An Ipsos poll commissioned by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) revealed that 86% of surveyed Americans believe mental health crises should be handled by mental health professionals rather than law enforcement. However, the transition to a system where police are less involved may face hurdles, including a shortage of trained personnel and the need for improved coordination between 911 and mental health crisis response systems.

The Guardian

Looking ahead, Chief Larson envisions a future where specialized teams handle mental health calls, allowing police to focus on crime. This perspective is echoed by families affected by police violence during mental health crises, such as the Hall family, who advocate for systemic changes following the death of their son, Miles Hall, in a police encounter.

The Guardian

The evolving approach to mental health crisis responses in California reflects a growing recognition of the complexities involved in such situations. While the shift away from police involvement is seen as a positive step by many advocates, the success of these changes will depend on the development of adequate mental health resources and community support systems.

The Guardian