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Mental Health and Crisis Response in Public Safety unit (CPS112)

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Unit year 2027

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Location: Online

Introduction

In this unit you will examine how public safety systems can better support frontline and first responders in managing the day-to-day demands of society's escalating mental health crisis. You will explore current interventions and trends across the public health and safety landscape, including national policies and strategies (such as the tri-response model, PACER) and contemporary ideas and approaches globally.

As part of your work in this unit, you will adopt a critical perspective on the growing pressure on emergency departments to respond to an increasing proportion of people experiencing mental health crises, highlighting this as a symptom of broader failures to apply early-intervention and prevention strategies. You will examine how public systems can better support people experiencing mental illness through collaborative, prevention-focused approaches that reduce involuntary detentions and improve public safety and community wellbeing. In doing so, consider the consequences of failing to provide adequate support: such as the risk that mental health crises escalate into involuntary detention, "accidental" criminalisation, and danger to communities.

Summary

Unit name Mental Health and Crisis Response in Public Safety
Unit code CPS112
Credit points 12.5
College/School Health
School of Paramedicine and Public Safety
Discipline Policing and Emergency Management
Coordinator Professor Isa Bartkowiak-Theron
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Introductory

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Online Semester 2 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
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Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 2 05/07/2027 27/07/2027 30/08/2027 24/10/2027

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Outline the complex considerations and challenges involved in mental health crisis co-response models responding to people experiencing mental illness.
  • Discuss, using an evidence-informed approach, the challenges and consequences of mental health crises for frontline workers.
  • Evaluate early intervention and community-based strategies used internationally and in Australia to prevent mental health crises escalating into police or emergency response.
  • Apply various public safety strategies, based on early intervention principles, to improve mental health, wellbeing and public safety outcomes.

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
061399 $1,235.00 $1,235.00 not applicable $3,065.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

1 x 1 hour lecture, weekly.
4 x 2 hour discussion forums, weekly.
2 x 1 hour drop in sessions, per semester.
8 x hours of independent learning, weekly.

AssessmentDiscussion / participation to classroom forum (10%)|Quiz - Early Intervention Analysis (15%)|Mental Health Intervention Report (35%)|Viva Voce: Mental Health Intervention part 2 (40%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

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