INTEGRATION BETWEEN PUBLIC SECURITY AND HEALTH SERVICES IN RESPONDING TO INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING A PSYCHOTIC EPISODE: A CASE STUDY OF THE 2ND SPECIAL MISSIONS BATTALION IN SANTARÉM, PARÁ.

Abstract

The rise in incidents involving individuals experiencing a psychotic episode has heightened the need for integrated action between health and public security services, particularly in situations posing a risk to the physical safety of the person in crisis, the professionals involved, and the community. Despite the Military Police's increasing involvement in incidents involving individuals in psychological distress, there is a scarcity of studies analyzing how this intervention unfolds within the Amazonian context and the operational challenges inherent in the integration between public security and health sectors. Against this backdrop, this study aimed to analyze the operations of the 2nd Special Missions Battalion (2º BME) of the Pará State Military Police regarding individuals experiencing a psychotic episode in the municipality of Santarém, Pará. It sought to identify key operational challenges, intervention strategies employed, and opportunities to improve inter-institutional collaboration with the Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU). This qualitative, exploratory study utilized a case study approach grounded in a literature review, document analysis of institutional records from 2022 to 2026, and semi-structured interviews with 36 professionals—14 military police officers and 22 SAMU personnel. The results revealed that incidents involving individuals in psychological distress are highly complex operationally, necessitating integrated action between health and public security agencies. Verbal communication, mediation, and continuous risk assessment were identified as the primary strategies employed by the teams, whereas physical restraint and the use of less-lethal tools are reserved for situations involving imminent risk. It is concluded that responding to psychotic crises requires intersectoral approaches in which police involvement complements health interventions; furthermore, it is essential to strengthen the Psychosocial Care Network, refine joint protocols, and provide continuous training for professionals to foster interventions that are safer, more humane, and aligned with the preservation of life and the rights of individuals experiencing psychological distress.