Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Police chief proposes mental‑health officer training to improve crisis responses
Summary
Police Chief Jason Hester told council he will expand mental‑health peace officer training so each shift has a trained officer and work with area agencies to coordinate shelter and outreach resources, aiming for more proactive, non‑confrontational responses to people in crisis.
Police Chief Jason Hester presented a phased plan to expand mental-health peace officer training and increase proactive outreach to people experiencing crises, homeless residents and others who may need services rather than enforcement.
"The goal here is for those officers to have ... one on each shift so that when we encounter folks that are in a mental health crisis or need a cross intervention," Hester said, explaining that trained officers and victim advocates will work to connect people to the right resources rather than defaulting to enforcement. Hester said the department will partner with the Houston Police Department's homeless strategy unit and the Precinct 1 constable's office to learn best practices and run side‑by‑side operations.
Councilmembers praised the emphasis on training and community engagement, citing local public-safety concerns and personal experiences. Chief Hester said the program will start with volunteer officers and that three to four officers already have volunteered; the city will work with local shelters to confirm bed availability before transport, and the city plans to monitor outcomes as training and partnerships expand.
