DEPARTMENT: San Antonio Police Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: William P. McManus, Chief of Police
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT: SAPD Mental Health Unit Overview
SUMMARY:
Briefing on the San Antonio Police Department Mental Health Unit
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Mental Health Unit (MHU) is a nationally-recognized program first implemented in December 2008. Since its inception, law enforcements agencies throughout the country have observed the MHU in an effort to review best practices and implement programs that effectively address public safety issues posed by individuals in crisis.
In 2018, the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) received more than 24,000 mental health-related calls and completed more than 14,000 emergency detentions. The MHU, which is comprised of one Sergeant, two Detectives, ten patrol officers and three civilian clinicians, responds to calls for service throughout the community that involve individuals in crisis that may be suffering from serious mental illness. The MHU also offers assistance to individuals in chronic crisis through the coordination of long-term care, provides Crisis Intervention Training to officers and the community, conducts threat assessments, completes weapons investigations involving persons in crisis and participates in a number of initiatives in partnership with various advocacy organizations and health providers.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff will present a briefing on this item. Action is at the discretion of the Chair.