REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: PACO BALDERRAMA, Chief of Police
Police Department
BY: MINDY CASTO, Deputy Chief
Support Division
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize the Chief of Police to execute a services and facilities contract with the Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) to enhance the Fresno Police Department's response to calls involving individuals experiencing a mental health crisis by continuing our existing partnership with DBH and contract mental health service providers
Body
RECOMMENDATION
The contracts represent the best interests of the City of Fresno, the Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health and members of our community needing comprehensive mental health services.
This agreement follows negotiations; where, both the Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health and the City of Fresno have mutually agreed upon a contract that will allow for continued partnerships between both agencies.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In January 2017, Council approved a contract between Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health and the Fresno Police Department where specially trained officers and certified mental health practitioners would co-locate and co-respond to calls involving individuals in need of mental health services.
Council approval is being sought to authorize the City of Fresno to execute the attached services and facilities use contracts with the Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health allowing for the police department to locate within the Fresno County Health and Wellness Center as well as obtaining reimbursement up to $218,915 for costs associated with the unit operations (vehicle maintenance, computers, training etc.) as outlined in the attached contracts.
BACKGROUND
Since 2017, the department has allocated 4 officers and 1 sergeant to be assigned to the Crisis Intervention Team. At the present time, due to staffing challenges and a long-term injury there are only 2 officers actively working the assignment. Mem...
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