Orange County, FL pairs sheriff deputies and mental health experts in Behavioral Response Unit pilot
Orange County, FL Behavioral Response Unit Pilot
Two deputies are paired with clinicians from Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health for the pilot. Response teams received 40 hours of training on the most common mental health situations found in 911 calls. Each deputy arrives at the scene and evaluates the situation before requesting a clinician's assistance. The participating clinicians patrol local streets for quick responses to teammates in need of evaluations, short-term care, and referrals.
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Orange County Pilot Program Teams Deputies With Mental Health Clinicians | WUSF Public Media
The unit begin responding to calls this week, the sheriff’s office said. The goal is to de-escalate situations, arrive at peaceful resolutions, and limit arrests and Baker Acts.
Orange County deputies, mental health clinicians team up as part of new pilot program
In addition to their regular patrols, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office will soon be implementing mental health patrols.
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