Wallkill Forum Emphasizes Co-Responder Method for Mental Health Calls
Pairing Police with Mental Health Professionals: A Game-Changing Approach
Local officials and field experts recently gathered in the Town of Wallkill to discuss the groundbreaking idea of teaming up police officers with mental health professionals when responding to calls involving emotionally disturbed individuals.
The forum, organized by the Town of Wallkill Police Community Council, aimed to explore the potential benefits of this innovative approach, which has gained traction in recent years.
Wallkill Police Chief Robert Hertman set the stage by recounting the tragic 1984 incident involving Eleanor Bumpurs, a mentally disturbed woman who was fatally shot by police in New York City. This incident prompted a reevaluation of police protocols and sparked a search for alternative solutions.
The incident involving Ms. Bumpurs led to a reevaluation of how law enforcement handles situations involving individuals with mental health issues. While extreme ideas, such as completely removing police from mental health-related calls, were briefly considered, it became clear that a more effective solution was needed.
Thus, the concept of pairing police officers with mental health professionals emerged. This approach not only helps deescalate tense situations but also ensures that individuals in crisis receive the appropriate support and assistance.
For years, Wallkill police collaborated with county mobile response teams, consisting of mental health professionals, to handle mental health-related calls. These teams provided valuable assistance to police departments across the county.
However, in a significant development, the Wallkill Police Department recently introduced an in-house mobile response team, thanks to a state grant secured by Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther. This co-responder model has proven successful, with the team responding to numerous calls and making a positive impact.
Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler emphasized the importance of this approach, highlighting the value of having trained professionals on-site to encourage individuals in crisis to seek help willingly. He noted that this collaborative effort can lead to successful outcomes and ultimately reduce crime rates.
County Mobile Response Teams
Orange County Mental Health Commissioner Darcy Miller explained that the county’s mobile response teams, initially established with a small stipend, have grown into a multimillion-dollar initiative. These teams are activated through a crisis call center and work closely with the police when necessary.
Ms. Miller emphasized that the goal is to involve the police only when absolutely necessary, with the majority of responses being handled by the mobile response teams themselves. Follow-ups are conducted by the mobile teams and peer support groups.
While the co-responder approach is highly desirable, the number of mobile response teams falls short compared to the police force. This means that police officers often respond faster, particularly during nighttime hours.
Efforts are underway to address this imbalance, with NAMI Orange County, a nonprofit affiliated with the National Alliance on Mental Illness, operating a 24/7 call center to provide assistance to individuals facing mental health challenges.
How does the presence of mental health professionals enhance the outcomes for individuals in crisis during police interventions?
Ofessionals, to respond to mental health emergencies. However, this new approach takes it a step further by embedding mental health professionals within the police department itself. This allows for a faster and more seamless response when dealing with individuals in crisis.
During the forum, experts emphasized the importance of training police officers to recognize and respond to mental health issues appropriately. They highlighted the need for officers to be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to engage in meaningful conversations with individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
By teaming up with mental health professionals, police officers gain access to a wealth of expertise in handling such situations. Mental health professionals can provide valuable insights, offer deescalation techniques, and ensure that the individuals involved receive the proper care and treatment they need.
This approach has already shown promising results in other communities across the country. In Eugene, Oregon, the Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets (CAHOOTS) program has been successfully operating for over 30 years. With mental health professionals accompanying police officers on calls, the program has been able to reduce arrests and hospitalizations, while also providing individuals with better access to the appropriate mental health services.
Implementing this approach will require collaboration between law enforcement agencies and mental health organizations. It will also require an allocation of resources to train both police officers and mental health professionals to work effectively as a team.
However, the potential benefits are immense. Pairing police with mental health professionals not only improves outcomes for individuals in crisis but also enhances the safety of both police officers and the community at large. By taking a more compassionate and holistic approach to addressing mental health emergencies, we can reduce the risk of unnecessary harm and tragedy.
Moving forward, it is crucial for communities to actively consider and explore this game-changing approach. The Wallkill Police Community Council is committed to furthering the conversation and advocating for the implementation of these innovative strategies. Together, we can create a safer and more compassionate response to mental health emergencies.
Ultimately, pairing police officers with mental health professionals represents a pivotal shift in law enforcement’s response to individuals experiencing mental health crises. By working collaboratively, we can ensure that those in need receive the care and support they deserve while promoting the safety and well-being of everyone involved.
It is time to embrace this transformative approach and prioritize the mental health of our communities. Only through collective efforts and effective partnerships can we truly make a difference in the lives of individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
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