In a recent government meeting, officials highlighted the growing need for mental health crisis intervention within the community, emphasizing the role of specially trained police officers and licensed mental health professionals. The discussion centered around the implementation of a crisis intervention team program, which aims to provide immediate support to individuals experiencing mental health crises.

The program has seen a significant increase in demand, with mental health-related calls for service rising from 722 in 2020 to 1,479 in 2022. To address this surge, the police department has expanded the number of crisis intervention team officers and co-responders available to assist in these situations. Co-responders, who are trained mental health professionals, accompany officers to crisis scenes, providing on-site support and intervention.

These professionals, who do not carry weapons and wear plain clothes, focus on de-escalating situations and connecting individuals to necessary services. They engage with those in crisis, offering a compassionate presence and practical assistance, such as safety planning and referrals to mental health services. The initiative aims not only to provide immediate help but also to divert individuals from emergency rooms, fostering a more supportive approach to mental health crises.

Officials encouraged community members to request co-responders when calling 911, reinforcing the message that help is available. The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and mental health professionals in addressing the increasing mental health challenges faced by citizens.