Slowing it down and developing a plan; Necessary tools for increased success in mental health crisis response; An M.C.R.R.T. Testimonial

BY ADRIAN ADORE

Peel Regional Police wants to share with you how important the process of slowing down, careful team collaboration and informed planning has been playing in the successful outcome of mental health crisis response.

The newly formed Peel Regional Police M.C.R.R.T. (Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Team), which is a two person mobile team consisting of a Police Officer and a Crisis Support Worker (C.S.W.) is available through the Peel Regional Police Communications Centre. The team responds to 911/emergency calls for service in the Region of Peel where there is a mental health concern and/or crisis in progress and immediate police response is necessary.

The M.C.R.R.T. has had many incidents from which to draw the conclusion; slowing down and planning a strategy through collaboration and information sharing increases success.

Here is an example:

Members of the M.C.R.R.T. attended a 30^th floor apartment dwelling recently in response to concerns that a resident was expressing suicidal thoughts.

When they arrived, M.C.R.R.T. cautiously attempted to engage with the individual.  They had previously learned that police posed a negative trigger. Officers with the Peel Regional Police C.I.B. (Criminal Investigation Bureau) also attended this call in relation to a criminal allegation.

The Crisis Support Worker (C.S.W.) highlighted how successful it was that the call progressed slowly and deliberately at the scene. Through a high level of collaboration, the C.I.B. and M.C.R.R.T. team worked seamlessly together to develop a plan to support a positive outcome. Having frequent opportunities to speak candidly with family members, the C.S.W. was able to relay important information, including clinical aspects of the individual, at regular intervals with C.I.B. offering feedback on how to best approach the situation.

The call continued to unfold at length and the commitment of the M.C.R.R.T. to the full care and attention of the individual’s situation never faltered. At the conclusion of the event, the client was safely brought to a medical facility for treatment.

Having been ensured follow-up support by the C.S.W. for both the individual as well as the family, the individual has since reported how caring and respectful the team was and was taken aback by the level of understanding and compassion shown.

“They made me feel like a human.”

For those of you not yet familiar, the role of the M.C.R.R.T., the team includes outreach and assessments of mental health clients, crisis intervention, liaising with community services, maintaining communication and facilitation of follow-up with the Peel Regional Police Mental Health, C.O.A.S.T., and Divisional Mobilization Officers. Also, as required, deliver platoons and external community partners.

As a community, we are collectively responsible for the safety and well being of the citizens of this Region. Peel Regional Police wants to thank our partner agencies and their dedicated staff for their continued commitment to working together for the safety and well being of this community.

More related articles available at PRPNews.ca

Peel Regional Police Launches the Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Team

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