DEPARTMENT: Police Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: William P. McManus, Chief of Police
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
IMPACT Team Update
SUMMARY:
In response to the need for a comprehensive, integrated strategy to address the issue of homelessness in the downtown area, which is often influenced by underlying mental and substance abuse issues, the San Antonio Police Department created the Integrated Mobile Partners Action Care Team (IMPACT).
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
IMPACT is a collaborative effort comprised of members of the SAPD Mental Health Detail and the San Antonio Fire Department EMS Mobile Integrated Healthcare Team with the following objectives:
• Improve Downtown public safety and quality of life
• Accurately identify the immediate medical need(s) of the individual
• Create streamlined treatment process
• Introduce case management to achieve long-term success
The listed objectives are achieved through the IMPACT Program’s multidisciplinary approach to address the psychiatric and medical needs of individuals by utilizing security, emergency detention and arrest authority as well as medical expertise and resources to preserve the health and well-being of the individual. In addition, multiple agencies offer a variety of resources to include: housing/social assistance and case management follow-up to promote long-term success. The ability of the IMPACT Program to effectively address the needs of the homeless has been enhanced through partnerships with groups such as the San Antonio Food Bank, Haven for Hope, Behavioral Health Hospitals and the South Alamo Regional Alliance for the Homeless that are able to provide specialized assistance to referrals.
Since its inception in January 2016, the focus of the program has been to offer services to assist the chronically homeless who are defined as individuals that have been homeless for over a year or have a disability that has resulted in four homeless episodes in a three year period. To date, a total of 93 chronically homeless individuals have been contacted by staff. Of those, 82 individuals have received services.
The IMPACT Program also contributes significantly to the overall efforts of the Downtown Initiative. The tables below provide statistics on Downtown Initiative health referrals fiscal year to date through April 1:
|
Number of Contacts |
453 |
|
Refused Service(s) |
181 |
|
Referrals |
141 |
|
Emergency Detention |
76 |
|
Detoxification |
55 |
Of the 453 contacts to date, a total of 181 individuals encountered by staff did not demonstrate signs of serious mental illness to be deemed a threat to themselves or others and were not otherwise engaged in criminal activity and were free to refuse assistance. 131 contacts were either under the influence of drugs or alcohol and were transported directly to a detoxification facility or were placed in emergency detention due to their actions and mental/physical condition.
To date, the following agencies have received the most referrals and combined account for approximately 69% of all referrals made:
|
Agency |
Referrals |
|
Haven for Hope |
20 |
|
Crisis Health Center |
19 |
|
NIX Hospital |
14 |
|
Methodist Hospital |
12 |
|
Salvation Army |
12 |
The Emergency Medical Treatment & Active Labor Act (EMTALA) regulates the duties and responsibilities for processing individuals in need of medical treatment. EMTALA prohibits officers from transporting individuals to multiple facilities. Once the individual is transported to a medical facility, hospital staff must obtain an Order of Protective Custody and arrange for transportation, via private ambulance, to an appropriate agency. In the event an individual is not transported to another facility, EMTALA requires that the hospital provide treatment.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Department recommends continuing with the San Antonio Police Department’s Integrated Mobile Partners Action Care Team (IMPACT).