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Board extends PERT transition and directs report on mobile crisis coordination
Summary
The Board of Supervisors approved a six‑month delay in the planned PERT discontinuation and asked staff to return with a report in September comparing alternative emergency response models and operational coordination with law enforcement.
The Board of Supervisors voted to delay the planned discontinuation of the Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT) and directed county staff to provide a fuller report in September on alternative emergency response models, including mobile crisis response teams (MCRT) and strategies for coordination with local law enforcement.
Supervisor Ellenberg introduced a motion to extend the timeline and to request a board‑level update in September that reviews PERT, MCRT, transition plans, training and coordination with cities and law enforcement. The motion passed on a roll call vote recorded in open session.
Administration said the county is moving clinicians who currently staff PERT into the MCRT model but will keep positions in place during the extended transition period to maintain coverage. Megan and other staff confirmed that MCRT clinicians already provide training and coordination with law enforcement and that the department will work with chiefs and city partners on operational plans. "How we will actually create a response system that continues to have collaboration with law enforcement agencies but also helps us help divert potential arrests is yet to be determined," administration staff said.
Supervisors pressed for baseline measures and outcome targets the board can use to track whether the altered model preserves timeliness and access, particularly in South County areas with limited prior availability. Several supervisors emphasized the need to avoid service gaps in South County and to ensure that response capacity remains 24/7.
Action: The board approved the motion to delay the PERT transition and requested a September report describing operational details, training plans and proposals for collaboration with local law enforcement and community partners.
Administration said it will continue recruiting and filling MCRT vacancies, meet with law enforcement partners, and return with detailed operational proposals and metrics for board review. The board recorded the vote as unanimous.
