Episode 226: Crisis Intersection: Policing with Compassion

About this episode

The episode provides practical guidance for families facing mental health crises involving police intervention.

Summary: When a mental health crisis escalates to the point of police involvement, most families feel overwhelmed, unprepared, and unsure of what happens next. In this episode, we step into that difficult space with clarity and practical guidance. Youth mental health concerns are rising at alarming rates. Data from the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that 40% of high school students report persistent sadness or hopelessness, and 18% have experienced major depression. At the same time, 53% of public schools report an increase in students seeking mental health support. For youth who have experienced foster care, the risk is even greater, with significantly higher rates of mental health challenges than their peers. So what do families do when prevention is no longer enough? We are joined by Al Moore, retired sergeant of the Mesa Police Department and former head of security for Mesa Public Schools. Drawing from decades of frontline experience, Al walks us through: • Practical steps to prevent or de-escalate a crisis • How to build and practice a crisis plan • Warning signs that indicate additional support is needed • When a crisis team should be called—and when police…

People in this episode

Guest: Al Moore

Topics covered

• mental health
• policing
• crisis intervention
• youth support
• foster care

Keywords

• mental health crisis
• police involvement
• youth mental health
• foster care
• crisis plan

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Mesa Police Department, Mesa Public Schools, American Academy of Pediatrics

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