SUMMARY
Operating a data-driven program to enable the 911 emergency system of Arapahoe County to connect callers with behavioral health services
BACKGROUND
Many calls for assistance related to individuals experiencing behavioral health symptoms are responded to by law enforcement; as such, there is a risk that symptoms are misinterpreted as criminal behavior. This results in criminal charges, and potential competency involvement, which could have been avoided if the call had been responded to by behavioral health professionals.
ELEMENTS
Specialized software to enable the program to implement a data-driven behavioral health alternative response system
PROGRAM STAFF
None
CAPACITY
Serves Arapahoe County
ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES
Decrease in individuals who acquire criminal charges for reasons related to behavioral health; Reduced admittance to the state hospital for competency restoration; Increase in treatment service engagement in lieu of justice involvement
STANDOUT ASPECTS
Intercepting individuals at the point 911 is called is a significant upstream intervention. The data collected during this project may lead to insights for replication in other jurisdictions.
FUNDING
$347,000 for one year