Police announce partnership with AHS to tackle mental health calls
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MEDICINE HAT, AB — The Medicine Hat Police Service and Alberta Health Services have partnered to provide greater assistance to individuals suffering from mental health issues or addiction.
The two organizations announced the Police and Crisis Team (PACT) on Monday, which pairs a mental health clinician and a police officer at emergency calls to provide a shared response to assist individuals in crisis. The program’s goal is to assist individuals with with mental illness or addiction problems away from the justice system and toward appropriate resources.
“Research has shown we can reduce the incarceration and recidivism of people with addictions or mental illness by linking them to appropriate services and supports in the community,” says Trevor Inaba, executive director of addiction and mental health for AHS-South Zone, in a news release. “With appropriate early interventions we are more likely to see successful outcomes.”
“Often, individuals with mental illness or addictions come to the attention of police for a variety of different reasons including minor and non-criminal activities,” says Medicine Hat Police Chief Andy McGrogan. “Now, we have an additional tool at our disposal to work with this vulnerable population and to get them the help they need. In many cases, the justice system is just not the appropriate place for these individuals.”
