TAMPA, Fla. — A new program launched by the Tampa Police Department aims to reduce the number of mental health calls officers respond to and instead provide people experiencing crisis with intervention specialists.
The agency has started its Crisis Intervention Dispatch Service Program to connect people who call 911 to resources relating to behavioral health crisis support. TPD explains the program will allow dispatch center staff to transfer someone experiencing a mental or behavioral health crisis to a trained intervention specialist.
That specialist in turn talks to the caller, works to deescalate the situation and then connect the caller to community resources. The program will have trained intervention specialists with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay at the TPD dispatch center, a release said.
“We are delighted and honored to have launched this new initiative in Tampa!" Clara Reynolds, president and CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay said in a statement. "When someone is experiencing a behavioral health crisis, it’s vital to connect them to the support they need as quickly as possible. We’re so thankful to the Tampa Police Department for prioritizing behavioral health."
With this new service, TPD leaders say it should lower the frequency of police responding to calls relating to mental or behavioral health crises.
RELATED: Tampa 911 dispatchers teaming up with Crisis Center of Tampa Bay to improve mental health response
“This partnership with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is another way we are committed to supporting our community,” Chief Lee Bercaw said in a statement. “The additional resources in our dispatch center are already having a positive impact in connecting those experiencing a behavioral health crisis with the resources they need."
Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide can call 988 to be connected 24/7 to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. People who need information about community resources can call 211, also available 24/7. For those who need immediate assistance from police, the fire department or an ambulance should call 911.