Santa Ana, California has recently implemented a new screening procedure to enhance responses to calls related to mental illness and homelessness. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department, in collaboration with the Orange County Health Agency, aims to redirect non-crime-related calls towards trained specialists within the health agency. This initiative, which began this month, involves a brief quiz for callers to determine the appropriate response, either by a deputy or a mental health expert. The objective is to prioritize police work on traditional crime while focusing on providing assistance to individuals in crisis.
Veronica Kelley, head of the OC Health Care Agency’s Behavioral Health Division, emphasized the importance of working closely with the Sheriff’s Department to address mental health issues effectively. The newly created OC Links unit aims to connect individuals in crisis with counselors or service providers. By embedding mental health workers with law enforcement agencies, the initiative seeks to reduce instances of violence in interactions involving individuals in mental crisis and the police.
In an effort to separate criminal issues from social issues, the Sheriff’s Department established the Behavioral Health Bureau to respond to calls related to mental illness. The dual-track response system reflects a broader initiative to address the needs of the community more effectively. Various cities in Orange County, including Irvine, Anaheim, and Huntington Beach, have contracted with Be Well, a nonprofit providing mental health experts to assist officers working with the homeless and mentally ill.
The evolving approaches in communities and law enforcement agencies throughout California demonstrate a shift towards enhancing responses to mental health crises without relying solely on law enforcement. While some cities have strengthened enforcement of laws related to homelessness and mental illness, others have focused on providing support and services to individuals in need. The objective is to strike a balance between public safety and compassion, recognizing that arrests alone cannot solve complex social issues.
The new 911 screening quiz, implemented by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, aims to improve responses to mental health issues and reduce the burden on law enforcement. Dispatchers receive approximately 10,000 calls annually related to mental health and homelessness, with the goal of connecting individuals to appropriate resources. The initiative not only prioritizes traditional crime for police intervention but also emphasizes the importance of mental health experts in addressing social ills effectively.
By directing deputies away from non-criminal issues and towards safety-related concerns, the screening process seeks to enhance community safety while providing appropriate support to those in crisis. The ultimate goal is to protect the community and ensure that resources are allocated efficiently to address a diverse range of needs. The collaboration between the Sheriff’s Department and the Orange County Health Agency signifies a step towards a more holistic approach to addressing mental health and homelessness issues in Santa Ana.