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On average, OCSO receives 8,000 calls every year regarding mental health crises.

The new Behavioral Response Unit partners OCSO deputies with clinicians from Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health. pic.twitter.com/BVq9YKypOw

— Orange County Sheriff’s Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) December 17, 2020

The teams of deputy’s sheriffs and mental health clinicians from Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health began responding to mental health-related calls this week.

Deputies respond first on the scene and once it is deemed safe, clinicians join them to help intervene.

“The hope is that the clinicians will use all of their training and all of their background to help some of these people in crisis to deescalate and calm down and really get them the services that they need and help these incidents come to a peaceful resolution.”

Each team received 40 hours of specialized training in cases as varied as those involving PTSD to substance abuse. All deputies also receive 40 hours of crisis intervention training.

“We are putting all of our deputies through crisis intervention training and that is a huge help, but a mental health clinician is in a better position to help people who are in crisis.”

The goal is to deescalate situations, arrive at peaceful resolutions, and limit arrests and Baker Acts.

If you’re struggling this #holidayseason, please know that you’re never alone. Call the Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to speak with a trained, caring counselor. We’re here for you and we want to help you through this. 💚 pic.twitter.com/8iOVXGsek5

— The Lifeline (@800273TALK) December 17, 2020

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