The Kyle Police Department, or KPD, was recently awarded approximately $188,000 through a Public Safety Alternate Response Team for Mental Health grant to fund a full-time mental health clinician, along with necessary training and equipment, according to a Jan. 31 news release.
The overview
The grant, awarded by the Texas Governor's Office under the Ci-Byrne Crisis Intervention Program, does not require a city match the amount funded through the grant, according to a Jan. 7 city council resolution. KPD aims to enhance its response to mental health crises.
The new clinician will be one of two Mobile Crisis Care Coordinators working with mental health officers to bolster local mental health resources, according to the news release. They will provide crisis interviews, conduct assessments, offer counseling, and ensure ongoing care and support.
The KPD’s mental health division includes officers trained in mental health and substance abuse disorders, with training in de-escalation and crisis intervention, according to the city’s website. They assist in mental health evaluations and collaborate with professionals to identify suitable treatments.
Law enforcement officers often respond first to mental health emergencies but face challenges, such as limited services, transportation difficulties and safety risks, contributing to increased arrests and incarceration, according to a city council presentation.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 1 in 5 adults experiences mental illness each year, with 3.3 million adults in Texas affected. Additionally, 1 in 4 people with a serious mental illness has been arrested by police at some point.
Notable quote
“By adding a second clinician to our team, we are enhancing our ability to respond to mental health emergencies with specialized care, ensuring that individuals receive the appropriate treatment,” Kyle Police Chief Jeff Barnett said in a news release.
