By Magee Police Chief Denis J. Borges
Mental health is a serious issue, and it deserves compassion, dignity, and proper care. Many of the calls officers respond to may involve someone who is emotionally distressed, mentally unwell, under the influence, or in crisis. That is real, and it should never be ignored. At the same time, the public must understand that police officers are not doctors, psychiatrists, or judges. Our role is not to make medical diagnoses or legal rulings in the middle of a call. Our role is to respond to the situation in front of us, protect life, restore order, enforce the law, and keep our citizens safe.
When officers arrive on a scene, we deal with behavior, actions, threats, and immediate safety concerns. If someone is violent, destroying property, threatening others, resisting, or committing a crime, we cannot ignore that simply because mental health may later become part of the discussion. Public safety must come first. That does not mean we lack compassion. It means we have a duty to protect victims, protect the public, and handle the situation as it exists in that moment.
There is a difference between recognizing that mental health may be a factor and making a medical or legal determination about it. Officers can use training, judgment, and deescalation when possible, but we are not the final authority on a person’s mental condition. That responsibility belongs to qualified mental health professionals, medical personnel, and the courts, who are in the proper position to evaluate, diagnose, recommend treatment, and make legal findings when necessary.
Too often, society places every burden on law enforcement. Police officers are expected to be peacekeepers, counselors, medical responders, and social workers all at once. We will always do our best to serve with professionalism and compassion, but there are limits to the role of law enforcement. We will do our part, and other parts of the system must do theirs as well.
At the Magee Police Department, we will continue to treat people fairly and with respect. We will continue to respond professionally. We will continue to use sound judgment. But we will also continue to do what the badge requires us to do, and that is protect our citizens and enforce the law. If someone poses a danger to others or is committing a crime, we are going to act. Questions involving diagnosis, treatment, competency, or commitment are matters for the appropriate professionals and, when necessary, the courts to sort out through the proper process.
This is not about being harsh. It is about understanding roles. Police handle the immediate threat and the public safety side of an incident. Medical and mental health professionals handle treatment. Courts handle legal decisions. When each part of the system does its job, the result is safer, more lawful, and more fair for everyone involved.
Our duty remains the same: protect the people of this city, uphold the law, and handle our business.
Chief Denis J. Borges
Magee Police Department
Great explanation to all who say they know exactly what to do in the middle of any crisis! Hind sight is Always 20/20! A majority of people who express opinions do not have any training and/or experience to deal with those that act out and threaten innocents and/or property.
Thank you!
Brinda