An evaluation of mental health education and training for junior police in New South Wales, Australia

Abstract

Responding to incidents involving the mentally ill forms a significant part of police work and as a result the police play a vital role in the initial management of these situations in the community. This thesis reports research that employed quantitative and qualitative data collection methods to investigate the perceptions held by New South Wales Police concerning the aspects of education and training in the Associate Degree in Policing Practice (ADPP) at the Police College and in the workplace that affect the knowledge, skills and ability of junior police to respond to incidents involving the mentally ill. Continuing education and training was also explored to determine what mental health curriculum was essential pre-attestation and what could be provided later through continuing education and training.