Burbank police commissioners approve outreach to promote mental-health awareness program

Commissioner James proposed and the Burbank Police Commission approved a motion authorizing commissioners to promote the Burbank Police Department’s mental-health awareness program at public facilities and events, distribute a sticker and brochure, and open conversations about how people can access the program. "The motion is, for police commissioners to be able to go to public facilities, public events to talk about the mental health awareness program with the sticker and the brochure," James said.

The commission debated the program’s scope: several members said the sticker and materials could also benefit people with mobility or other special needs, not only people seeking mental-health resources. Chief Clintero urged caution and suggested refining the materials and having the department’s mental-health evaluation team reassess the program before a broader rollout, ideally timed for May, which the chief noted is Mental Health Awareness Month.

Supporters said distributing the materials at events such as Police & Fire Day and National Night Out would increase awareness. The department’s mental-health evaluation team confirmed it will have materials available at National Night Out.

The chair called the roll and the motion carried; the commission recorded a majority of 'yes' votes and the chair declared the motion passed. Commissioners agreed the department would assist with evaluation and that commissioners should coordinate before representing the commission at public events.

The commission did not appropriate new funding during the vote; speakers discussed using existing department materials and resources first and asking council for resources later if needed. The item moves to implementation planning involving the department and the commissioner who made the motion.