Summary
The purpose of this project is to provide the Victoria Police Department (VPD) with recommendations and identify strategies to enhance its response to people with mental illness. Using action research, members of the VPD Primary Response Division were surveyed. Key findings were that VPD members' knowledge base regarding mental illness is varied, the VPD and Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) interface is critical, collaborative initiatives between VPD and community agencies are vital, training and education in the area of mental illness is considered valuable, and a lack of community resources is a critical factor in criminal behaviour. Recommendations include establishing a steering committee, establishing service agreements to enhance the relationship with VIHA, developing policy to ensure the longevity of any initiatives and agreements, developing a post-academy training schedule and curricula for the members of VPD, and continuing to support community partnered initiatives.