Best Practices to Promote Scene Safety During Mental Health Crises

Hosted by The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center, the United States Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance, and 21st Century Policing Solutions 

Ensuring the safety of law enforcement and mental health professionals who respond to mental health crises is essential yet challenging. Taking proactive steps can minimize risk of harm and foster trust and rapport with the person experiencing the crisis. Individuals who feel safe and supported are more likely to engage in collaborative efforts and accept assistance. This approach ultimately allows for better coordination of efforts and the implementation of appropriate interventions to de-escalate crises and provide the support needed to ensure positive outcomes.  

The CSG Justice Center, in partnership with 21st Century Policing (21CP), will host a webinar on best practices to promote scene safety and a follow-up ask-the-expert hour with our presenters. Our discussion will explore crucial considerations in promoting best practices to ensure scene safety in a co-response to a mental health crisis.  

Joining us will be Martin Bartness, retired lieutenant colonel and deputy chief of patrol with the Baltimore Police Department, and current senior principal at the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF). Mr. Bartness has worked closely with the Department of Justice to advance organizational reform under a consent decree, focusing on policy development and implementation, training, and accountability. We will also be joined by Dr. Randolph (Randy) Dupont, professor and clinical psychologist at the University of Memphis School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy, Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Dr. Dupont is best known for his work developing the Memphis Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Model.  

Speakers: 

• Joseph Arnett, Policy Analyst, Behavioral Health, CSG Justice Center   
• Ernie Stevens, Deputy Division Director, Behavioral Health, CSG Justice Center   
• Martin Bartness, Retired Lt. Colonel/Deputy Chief of Patrol, Baltimore Police Department; Senior Principal, Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) 
• Dr. Randolph (Randy) Dupont, Professor and Clinical Psychologist, Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Memphis School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy 
• Sean Smoot, Managing Partner of 21CP Solutions, LLC