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Portland presenters outline crisis‑response continuum, urge use of crisis line and coordinated response
Summary
Portland Police Behavioral Health Unit, Portland Street Response and Multnomah County Project Respond described roles and a shared model for in‑person crisis care; presenters emphasized that callers can dial 911 or the Multnomah County behavioral health crisis line (503‑988‑4888), and explained when higher‑acuity involuntary holds apply.
At its Oct. 7 meeting the Community and Public Safety Committee heard a joint briefing on Portland’s crisis‑response model from the Portland Police Bureau’s Behavioral Health Unit (BHU), Portland Street Response, Project Respond (Cascadia) and Multnomah County’s crisis call center.
Speakers described a shared “continuum” of crisis response and four possible outcomes for in‑person crisis calls: on‑scene resolution and disengagement with follow‑up, voluntary transport to care, involuntary transport (for example a police officer hold or a director’s custody hold), and transport to jail when appropriate. The presenters said on‑scene resolution is the preferred outcome when it can be achieved safely.
Jennifer Butcher, acting lieutenant in PPB’s Behavioral Health Unit, explained that Portland Street Response is staffed to address low‑acuity crises and is an unarmed, mobile response team pairing crisis professionals and EMTs. April Roa, interim…
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