(Alberta RCMP)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Regional Police And Crisis Team (RPACT)

RCMP offers therapeutic approach to mental health crisis calls in central Alberta

Nov 8, 2021 | 2:42 PM

Officials with the Alberta RCMP say the organization recognizes the importance of responding effectively to mental health crises.

The organization points out Regional Police and Crisis Teams (RPACT) across the province that are a community-based mobile response where RCMP officers and mental health professionals work together as a team to respond to mental health calls for service.

In Red Deer, there is also a partnership specifically with the Primary Care Network to deliver these services.

Officials note that police are frequently the primary frontline response to mental health crises, and it is vital to establish and support the most effective model of police response since the requirement is growing. In 2020 there were over 20,000 files associated to the Mental Health Act. By September 2021, the Alberta RCMP already had 16,908 such files.

Responding to mental health calls through RPACT can impact outcomes, say RCMP. It is said to be most appropriate to offer a collaborative approach, pairing police with professionals to provide thorough mental health assessments.

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Police and Crisis Team mental health professionals are described as providing a level of clinical expertise that enables comprehensive support for the individual in crisis. As well, given the unpredictability and volatility associated with the response to mental health crises, the combined expertise of police and mental health professionals helps to increase safety for all those involved, add RCMP.

You can watch the Alberta RCMP’s YouTube video below to learn about the Police and Crisis Team in central Alberta and their work in the community.

Officials say the Alberta RCMP continues to be committed to providing appropriate mental health supports for public safety and community wellbeing throughout the province.

Video link: https://youtu.be/XPVCVjaGSMY