5 15-1084 Subject: OPD-BHCS Crisis Response MOU Amendment
From: Oakland Police Department
Recommendation: Adopt A Resolution Authorizing The City Administrator, or Designee, To Enter Into An Intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Between The Alameda County Health Care Services Agency, Behavorial Health Care Services (BHCS) And The Oakland Police Department (OPD) To Continue To Implement The Mobile Evaluation Team (MET) Program
Support for people with mental health needs is a critical need in Oakland, as is expanded training and support to police officers to increase their effectiveness in responding to citizens with mental health needs. These outcomes with just one MET team are impressive; four is a move in the right direction. Increased investment in this program will not only save money but will also increase the skills of police officers. Having this role be a rotation for officers will increase the capacity of a greater percentage of OPD to respond skillfully to mental health crises.
Support for people with mental health needs is a critical need in Oakland, as is expanded training and support to police officers to increase their effectiveness in responding to citizens with mental health needs. These outcomes with just one MET team are impressive; four is a move in the right direction. Increased investment in this program will not only save money but will also increase the skills of police officers. Having this role be a rotation for officers will increase the capacity of a greater percentage of OPD to respond skillfully to mental health crises.