Bakersfield's City Council is taking significant steps to enhance mental health crisis response services following a recent meeting on June 11, 2025. Council Member Gonzalez raised concerns about the adequacy of mental health support during emergency calls, prompting a detailed discussion with Police Chief about the current capabilities and limitations of the city's mental health response program.

Chief outlined that the police department has partnered with Kern Behavioral Health to improve responses to mental health crises. Currently, there are three full-time mental health clinicians stationed in the 911 communications center. These professionals are available to directly handle calls involving individuals in crisis, allowing for a more appropriate response that often does not require police intervention. Chief reported that this approach has successfully resolved issues without police involvement 70 to 80 percent of the time.

However, the program is not without its challenges. Coverage is available for about 18 hours a day, six to seven days a week, leaving gaps during which mental health professionals are not on duty. Chief acknowledged that there are instances when the Mental Evaluation Team (MET) is unavailable, necessitating police officers to triage calls until mental health professionals can respond.

Council Member Gonzalez requested data on the unmet needs during the hours when mental health clinicians are not available, highlighting the importance of understanding the volume of calls received during these times. The communications center handles approximately 700,000 to 750,000 calls annually, indicating a significant demand for mental health support.

The discussions at the meeting underscore the city's commitment to improving mental health crisis responses and the ongoing need for resources to ensure comprehensive coverage. As the council continues to evaluate these services, the implications for community safety and well-being remain a top priority.