Sheriff's mobile crisis teams report growing caseload, low hospitalization rates and need for long-term funding

The Nevada County Sheriff's Office updated the Board on its mobile crisis team (MCT) program, which pairs trained deputies with licensed clinicians to respond to mental-health crises in the community.

Sheriff Shannon Moon and Captain Sean Scales said the program launched in 2020 and has expanded from one team to two to provide broader coverage. Captain Scales provided year-by-year contacts and outcomes: in 2022 the teams recorded 574 contacts with 75 mental-health holds and 16 arrests; in 2023 they logged 558 contacts with 48 holds and 10 arrests; and in 2024 the teams had made 614 contacts as of the morning of the meeting with 34 mental-health holds and 12 arrests.

Clinicians and deputies described the team's work as de-escalation, safety planning, crisis intervention and prolonged follow-up to connect people to services. Clinician Anna Garrison cited examples ranging from support after a child's death to mediating family disputes; she also emphasized the team's role in first-responder wellness.

Funding for clinicians is currently supported by a BSCC-administered JAG grant, with grant funding noted through fiscal year ending July 2026; deputy staffing is funded through county general fund allocations. Supervisors expressed concern about sustainability if grant funding lapses and asked staff to explore long-term funding options. Board members praised the program's community outcomes and cost-saving potential in keeping people out of jail and reducing lengthy deputy time off patrol for hospital transports.