Brandon Police Defends Crisis Response Unit Against Academic Critique

The Brandon Police Service (BPS) is under scrutiny following criticism from academics regarding its newly established crisis response unit, which combines police officers with mental health professionals. This initiative aims to address mental health crises within the community but has sparked a debate about its potential effectiveness and implications.

In an op-ed published in the *Winnipeg Free Press*, academics Christopher Schneider and Ania Theuer from Brandon University expressed their concerns about the unit. They acknowledged that pairing police with psychiatric nurses may appear beneficial but emphasized a lack of evidence supporting the efficacy of such models. They argued that embedding this unit within a police framework could perpetuate negative stereotypes about individuals experiencing mental health challenges, suggesting that it may reinforce the idea that such individuals are inherently dangerous.

BPS Constable Amanda Conway and her colleague Constable Cecelia Joss responded to this criticism in a rebuttal letter. They stated, “While it is true that police officers are not mental health experts, it is equally true that mental health clinicians are not equipped or mandated to safely intervene in unpredictable, high-risk environments where weapons, public safety, or imminent harm may be a factor.” Their response highlighted the need for a collaborative approach in handling crises that may pose safety risks.

The constables referenced the success of the Winnipeg Police Service’s Alternative Response to Citizens in Crisis (ARCC) program, which was launched in 2022. Out of 272 deployments in its first year, ARCC resolved 82 percent of cases and kept 91 percent of clients within the community, thus avoiding unnecessary hospitalizations or interactions with the justice system.

Schneider and Theuer criticized the new unit as a “feel-good Band-Aid solution” that does not adequately address systemic issues in mental health care. In a subsequent interview, Schneider reaffirmed the need for dialogue with BPS but cautioned that good intentions do not guarantee positive outcomes. He remarked on the prevailing perception that individuals with mental illness are extremely dangerous, a notion he claims has been challenged in reputable academic circles.

Schneider further argued that the integration of police in crisis response units risks stigmatization and criminalization of mental health issues. He noted, “We wouldn’t expect police officers to assist a doctor with surgery, a chef with meal preparation, or a mechanic with auto repair.” Instead, he suggested that mental health professionals should lead such interventions, with police involvement being limited to situations where there is a clear and present danger.

Theuer, who has over a decade of experience in mental health crisis response, echoed these sentiments. She emphasized the urgent need for community-based mental health care rather than police-led initiatives. “It’s deflating to see what’s needed, which is community mental health care,” she stated.

In defense of the crisis response unit, BPS Chief Tyler Bates outlined the diverse nature of mental health calls. He explained that while some situations can be managed peacefully, others may involve volatile circumstances, including armed individuals or those experiencing drug-induced psychosis. Bates stressed the importance of having a prepared response to ensure the safety of all involved. “The threat of harm to participants in this process is real, and it would be irresponsible to not have a preparedness and response capacity for the full continuum of potential scenarios,” he said in an email statement.

As the debate continues, both sides emphasize the need for effective solutions to mental health crises that prioritize safety and well-being. The ongoing discussions highlight the complexities of integrating mental health support within law enforcement frameworks, underscoring the importance of evidence-based approaches in developing such initiatives.