Identification and Strategies for Diffusing 911 Abuse Caused by Psychiatric Symptoms

Abstract

To date, there is limited guidance or consensus on how best to handle 911 abuse caused by people suffering from delusions or dementia. People with delusions who do not meet the threshold to be taken to the hospital for a mandatory evaluation often generate many unnecessary 911 calls. They pose no immediate threat to themselves or others at the time of the call. Paranoid thinking and misinterpretation of events can cause multiple, needless 911 calls. These callers can be a nuisance or even pose a serious problem to public safety by tying up valuable services and by making police race through traffic, risking accidents. This article examines some of the current strategies around the country to address delusional 911 abusers and outlines steps to take on how to diffuse the problem of psychiatric 911 abuse for police officers, social workers, and other mental health professionals.