The Future of Mental Health in Public Safety Design

What is the future of mental health in public safety design?A question that often stumps architects in today’s world.

Public safety demands in the 21st century have dramatically changed. The increased use of technologies such as body cameras, significant media and public scrutiny, and answering to mental health crises can quickly amplify stress levels in first responders. Because these professionals are often the first to respond to a mental health crisis, they are often at the highest risk of developing mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. In fact, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, it is estimated that 30% of first responders will develop a behavioral health condition.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental health crisis in America has worsened, resulting in a dramatic increase in 911 calls. These calls often result in police intervention. According to National Alliance on Mental Illness surveys, people in a mental health crisis are more likely to encounter police than receive medical attention, resulting in two million people jailed every year.

Mental Health America’s 2021 “The State of Mental Health in America” reported that the frequency of mental health was increasing even before the pandemic, with 19% of adults experience a mental health illness. Over the past year, that number has increased by 1.5 million people and 24% of adults with a mental illness report an unmet need for treatment. Finally, 9.7% of youth in the U.S. have major depression, and 1 in 3 are going without treatment.

Such facts have spurred architects to reconsider their approach to public safety design to support first responders and citizen’s mental health and destress their environment. From quiet rooms and increased natural light to incorporating office space for mental health professionals, here is what some of our architects had to say about mental health and public safety:

“It’s unclear the role mental health professionals will have on community policing. However, incorporating staff space with lobby access would be a smart addition for new police facilities. It allows quick and easy access to mental health resources for officers and visitors.”

Ken Henton
Partner | Municipal/Public Safety Practice Leader

”Designing public safety facilities to include spaces dedicated to personal well-being is key to a successful project. These facilities should include quiet rooms allowing for officers and staff to have a private place to unwind and decompress.”

Nick Lawler
Project Manager | Vice President

“The positive aspects of public safety design are undeniably important because of depends on first responders. A good design not only helps first responders but provides a better, safer environment for the public to interact with them.”

Dominic Spadafore
Project Manager | Associate Vice President

“There needs to be a continuation of good design practices for community space – approachable facades, sufficient night lighting and wayfinding. There should be good design practices for first responders – decompression spaces such as quiet rooms, unifying elements for comradery, exercise spaces for stress relief, natural light, views to nature, and an efficient workflow.”

Katherine Waldrop
Project Architect | Associate Vice President

“It’s essential for all staff to feel like the facility is safe for them to do their jobs. From designing a secure layout from parking to lobby entry, visibility and privacy are essential to think through and understand.”

Erin Baird
Interior Designer | Senior Associate

While mental health will continue to be a pertinent concern for both first responders and the community, it is challenging to prepare for an unknown future. Taking a holistic approach and thinking about mental health at the beginning of a project will result in a design that supports mental health and strengthens the community.