Purpose This qualitative study explores the relationship between police departments and social service providers regarding on-site challenges and mental health crisis response. Design/methodology/approach Utilizing a social network recruitment method, the researchers semi-structured interviews with 17 law enforcement and mental health professionals. The researchers conducted thematic and narrative analyses to identify patterns in the data. Findings Four themes emerged around a holistic data-sharing approach to strengthen response and partnerships: (1) deinstitutionalization and limited emergency detention options; (2) the need for dual dispatch and law enforcement liaison projects; (3) community relations and (4) supporting families with loved ones who experience mental health crises through community partnerships. Research limitations/implications Although this study is limited in scope and generalizability, it provides an important foundation for further inquiry. Future research should examine comparative analyses of data-sharing practices and outcomes between law enforcement and mental health professionals. Practical implications The results of this study illustrate the proactive and collaborative strategies unfolding in a metropolitan community. Policy implications support the development of data integration strategies to bolster crisis communication and police response with trained social service professionals. Social implications This study highlights the social implications of data-informed police–mental health partnerships by demonstrating how coordinated information sharing can reduce the risk of violent encounters, improve continuity of care and promote safer outcomes for individuals experiencing mental health crises. Originality/value This study offers original qualitative insight into frontline law enforcement and community mental health providers' experience with data-sharing partnerships during mental health crisis response, a topic that remains underexplored.
Juarez et al. (Wed,) studied this question.