Attitude of Police Officers towards Dealing with Individuals with Psychological Problems: A Sample from Selected Police Stations in Colombo District

Abstract

Sri Lanka’s Mental Diseases Ordinance (1873) gives discretion to police officers to make decisions concerning individuals who live with mental health conditions despite lack of clinical training. Identification of officers’ attitudes towards individuals with psychological problems (IPPs) is important as these influences officers’ responses to situations involving IPPs. Using the Mental Health Attitude Survey for Police (MHASP; Clayfield, 2011), the study aimed to identify police officers’ attitudes towards IPPs, on the community responsibility towards IPPs and on IPPs living in the community. Officers’ perceived level of adequacy to deal with IPPs was also assessed. Literature indicates that factors such as age, gender, level of education, years of experience, personal experience with an IPP and past training predicted officers’ attitude, the current study investigated the same. The survey was distributed amongst 77 officers who volunteered on site. MHASP includes 33 statements of officers rated their level of agreement using a Likert scale. MHASP Total an overall attitude score (M=132.67, SD=17.55) indicated a significant positive attitude towards IPPs despite an absence of a specialized training (84%) or any personal experience, officers felt confident to deal with IPPs. Multiple regression analysis identified gender of the officers to be the only predictor for attitude towards community responsibility towards IPPs (p=0.047). Despite the positive attitude and perceived adequate preparedness reported in the current study, considering the lack of experience stated by the officers and the analysis of individual items of the survey, several stigmatizing beliefs held by officers were identified. The findings can be used to enhance the current practices and specialized training to the police officers who deal with IPPs in Sri Lanka. Keywords: Police; law enforcement; attitude; mental health; psychological problems