Policing and the mentally ill in China: Challenges and prospects

Abstract

Public security officers are the first to be called upon to restore order where an incident has been precipitated by a person with mental illness. The paper introduces the steps followed by the officers in handling the case. Problems related to mental health legislation, guardianship, medical services, and policing practices are examined. Since there are not yet comprehensive policies and legislation to protect mental patients in China, it is suggested that more police training be introduced, effective internal monitoring be enforced to limit police discretion, and collaboration between public security, civil affairs and health departments be enhanced.