City of Frederick Mobile Crisis Team (MCT) car project

Purpose:  The creation of a collaborative Mobile Crisis Team comprised of sworn Frederick Police Department Officers along with Mental Health Professionals from community partners

Target Population:  Persons experiencing a behavioral and/or mental health crisis

Description:  The creation of a collaborative Mobile Crisis Team reflects a philosophical shift in the response to individuals in crisis.  Currently the response to individuals in crisis is fragmented.   Traditionally the Police respond to individuals in crisis.  If the criteria for Emergency Petitions are not present, then the Police Officer documents the event and provides referral resources to the individual.  The individual can follow up with the referred provider at their will, or the referred provider will initiate contact as time allows.  The Mobile Crisis Team would be dedicated to sole response to individuals in crisis for the shift, along with any necessary follow up visits to prior crisis incidents.  The Mobile Crisis Team would pair one police officer with a mental health professional for an eight hour shift.   The police officer would be dressed in a “soft” uniform (khakis/polo shirt) to limit any hesitation in communication from individuals in crisis.   The Mobile Crisis Team will utilize the model of an officer/civilian team in an effort to maximize resources from various providers.   The Mobile Crisis Team will allow for the provision of stabilizing services to individuals experiencing a crisis in the least restrictive environment (coupled with the alternate attire of the police officer as an attempt to further communication).   The dedicated response to individuals in crisis allows for a more thorough response and a potential decrease in hospital admissions.  The prolonged response will allow for more diversion into community based treatment, where traditionally the individuals can receive more sustained and thorough treatment regarding their specific symptoms.   It is anticipated that the collaborative initial response and diversion to community partners for long term treatment will reduce recidivism as well for those experiencing crisis.   In summary, the creation of a Mobile Crisis Team will provide on-site crisis intervention services and increase diversion away from potential incarceration and/or hospitalization.

Goals:

Increase collaboration among community partner providers
Increase effectiveness of initial contact after a crisis situation
Increase utilization of community based treatment programs
Decrease recidivism of individuals experiencing crisis situations