SJC Exchange Library

Please see the link below to a recent story on a new initiative by the CMPD where social workers will pair with CMPD officers to respond to mental health calls for service. Assistant Chief Foster shared some of the keys to launching this initiative include being aware of the necessary mind shift for law enforcement officers who are not necessarily trained to handle mental health related issues, but rather to be cognizant of them. Assistant Chief Foster also shared that "working with certified mental health professionals who truly do the work, make assessments, and provide resources for treatment are key and that being done by a professional and not an officer is key." It was important for CMPD officers to be educated on the resources available to citizens in a mental health crisis, as well as how to talk to, understand, and approach individuals with some of the common mental illnesses encountered by law enforcement. Lastly, Assistant Chief Foster shared that an important element of designing this program was ensuring that the community has enough appropriate resources to handle these cases, as well as the logistics of who will manage the social workers, the officers, etc.