Crisis intervention team transforms police response to mental health

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the growing need for mental health support within law enforcement, highlighting the implementation of a crisis intervention team program. This initiative aims to better serve citizens experiencing mental health crises by deploying specially trained officers alongside licensed mental health professionals, known as co-responders.

The program has seen a significant increase in demand, with mental health-related calls for service rising from 722 in 2020 to 1,479 in 2022. Officers involved in the program are trained to de-escalate situations and provide immediate support, ensuring that individuals in crisis receive the help they need without the fear of arrest. Co-responders, who do not carry weapons and wear plain clothes, are dispatched to crisis scenes to offer a calming presence and facilitate access to necessary services.

One co-responder shared her personal journey with mental health, emphasizing the importance of connection and support for those in distress. She recounted a recent case where she helped a client with suicidal ideations find a support network, illustrating the program's effectiveness in diverting individuals from emergency rooms and jails.

The meeting also touched on the operations of local animal control, which manages a high volume of impounded animals each year. Officials highlighted their commitment to public safety and animal welfare, detailing the adoption process and the collaborative efforts with various humane societies to find homes for animals in need.

Overall, the discussions underscored the community's evolving approach to mental health crises and animal welfare, reflecting a commitment to compassionate and effective responses to both issues.