It probably should be easier, but there needs to be a set process for doing it correctly.
Here in Portland we set up an agency called Portland Street Response to respond to 911 calls that might not necessarily need police involvement.
Someone is in a mental health crisis, but not threatening themselves or others? Street Response pulls up instead of the cops.
BUT -
They can’t put anyone on a psych hold. They can offer advice, point someone to resources, try to talk them down, but they can’t have someone committed.
That is weird. We have mobile crisis teams that don’t like to put people away but they can. Although it’s also a separate line from 911, which makes it tricky
It probably should be easier, but there needs to be a set process for doing it correctly.
Here in Portland we set up an agency called Portland Street Response to respond to 911 calls that might not necessarily need police involvement.
Someone is in a mental health crisis, but not threatening themselves or others? Street Response pulls up instead of the cops.
BUT -
They can’t put anyone on a psych hold. They can offer advice, point someone to resources, try to talk them down, but they can’t have someone committed.
Which, in my mind, kind of defeats the purpose.
That is weird. We have mobile crisis teams that don’t like to put people away but they can. Although it’s also a separate line from 911, which makes it tricky
Yeah, here 911 will direct to street response when viable.
So, naked person wandering in traffic, crying in the rain? Street response. (Happens more often than you’d think.)
https://blanchethouse.org/why-we-call-portland-street-response/
Naked person wandering in traffic, screaming at cars with a sword? That’s the cops. (Also happens more often than you’d think.)
https://97rockonline.com/topless-woman-armed-with-sword-arrested-in-oregon/