Page 502 - FY 2025 Adopted Operating Budget and Business Plan

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Public Safety

Goal 1: Utilize Targeted Initiatives and Industry Best Practices and Policies to Foster a Safe
Environment
Objective 1: Improve Quality of Life and Place
Project Performance Measure(s) Department(s)
Core Behavioral Health Calls for • Calls for Service with a Behavioral Police
PS Service and Special Response Health Component
1.1.4 Units • CRT and CIT response
• NED
Summary:
Calls for Service –Behavioral Health
Individuals with behavioral health challenges are Component Identified
vulnerable members of our community who deserve to be 1,800
treated with dignity and respect.
1,768 1,761
1,700
Police agencies are often the front-line responders to 1,716
those struggling with a behavioral health crisis. 1,600
In addition to staff time and resources, these are dynamic
environments that have potential for harm to both staff 1,500 1,533
and those involved. APD has three programs focused on
police response to behavioral health crisis in the 1,400
community. 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr

The formation of the Behavioral Health Law Enforcement MHMR LL Collaboration
Unit (BHLEU) will staff eight Crisis Intervention Specialists
(civilian) paired with eight Behavioral Health Response 500
Officers. The unit will respond to calls identified to have a 400
behavioral health component. They will work with patrol
300
to mitigate crisis, identify solution-focused interventions,
divert from jail, and connect citizens with available 200 405 406
316 302
resources.
100
14 12 27 31
Our continued partnership with the MHMR Law Liaison -
project provides APD an opportunity to interject another 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr
team of mental health professionals into these encounters
CFS Follow Up
and work in conjunction with specialized officers to
achieve stabilization, develop positive rapport with law
enforcement and provide connectivity to services. BHLEU
500
Arlington Police Department utilizes a hybrid approach in
which Behavioral Health Response Officers (BHRO) on 400
patrol are partnered with MHMR Law Liaisons to form a 300
Co-Responder Team. They conduct follow-ups and engage 291
200 152 213
individuals struggling with behavioral health issues by 315
providing resources. BHROs are also paired together to 100
122 121 106
form a Crisis Intervention Team for calls and follow-ups. -
1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr
Update:
The Behavioral Health Law Enforcement Unit continues to CFS Follow Up
identify gaps in services and works to fill unmet needs of
those facing behavioral health issues or homelessness.

129