Law enforcement agencies across America are searching for more effective ways to handle calls about individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
Officers will continue to be on scene to respond to criminal activity and safety concerns. But in cases of non-violent mental health emergencies, they will call on a mobile crisis team for support.
The Tampa Police Department will soon have officers and mental health professionals in the same vehicle on patrol.
In one pilot program starting this fall, a paramedic will be dispatched with a mental health clinician for “behavioral health calls.” In another, a paramedic will work with a “recovery specialist” on calls involving substance abuse.
Officers with the Brookhaven (IL) Police Department will now have the assistance of two mental health professionals when responding to calls involving persons in mental distress.
The eight-person team will have a supervising sergeant, a detective, three social workers and three police officers, said Chief Cassandra Deck-Brown.
Chief Williams said she expects the new "Pointed Gun at Person" (PGP) reports will help the department track how many times officers can de-escalate potentially deadly situations.
Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen says when it comes to crisis calls that do not involve a weapon or threat to other community members police may not always be the best response.
Axon's VR training is offered through Axon Academy, a network of online and in-person training for law enforcement. The VR training program is designed to better equip officers with the tools to de-escalate situations involving people suffering from mental health issues, crises, or psychotic episodes.
Roby reportedly stabbed one officer and he attempted to injure 10 other officers on the scene by throwing explosive devices.
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