Encounters between individuals with a mental disorder and police forces can be harmful and dangerous for both parties involved. Previous research explored mostly police officers’ subjective experience of these encounters and focused on their recommendations. The present study takes the perspective of individuals with a mental disorder and investigates their subjective experience of dealing with the police. Thirteen semi-structural interviews were conducted with individuals with a history of mental health problems who have had encounters with the police and experienced contact-based anti-stigmatization interventions as consultants. Interviews revolved around the subjective experience of these police encounters. Questionnaires were used to inquire about context factors, individuals’ perceptions of police officers, and their sense of security during these encounters. Furthermore, individuals were asked to rate police officers’ ability to recognize signs and symptoms of ill mental health and give recommendations in regard to adequate communication strategies, interventions, and police training. The results indicate that encounters were experienced predominantly as positive and non-threatening. Participants emphasized the importance of communication strategies with a focus on empathy and respect. Keeping personal space and satisfying basic needs was recommended. Contact-based anti-stigmatization interventions were regarded as an effective approach to reduce stigma. Empathy and respect are perceived as key strategies for police officers when dealing with individuals with a mental disorder. To promote these strategies, trialogical anti-stigmatization interventions and crisis intervention training, including communication skills and face-to-face contact, are promising approaches.

精神错乱的人与警察之间的相遇对于所涉的双方都是有害和危险的。先前的研究主要探讨了警官对这些遭遇的主观经验，并集中于他们的建议。本研究从精神障碍患者的角度出发，调查了他们与警察打交道的主观经验。进行了十三次半结构化访谈，采访了有精神健康问题历史的人，这些人曾与警察接触过，并作为顾问经历过基于接触的反污名干预措施。采访围绕这些警察遭遇的主观经历展开。问卷被用来询问情境因素，个人对警察的看法，以及他们在这些遭遇中的安全感。此外，还要求个人对警官识别出精神疾病的体征和症状的能力进行评估，并就适当的沟通策略，干预措施和警察培训提出建议。结果表明，遭遇经历主要是正面的和非威胁的。与会者强调了以同情和尊重为重点的交流策略的重要性。建议保留个人空间并满足基本需求。基于接触的反污名干预被认为是减少污名的有效方法。当与精神错乱的人打交道时，同情和尊重被认为是警官的关键策略。为了推广这些策略，