Protective custody among priorities council will consider Broadening mental health professionals' authority is one of several legislative topics city leaders will weigh
Omaha World-HeraldNov 20, 2017
Festersen wants the
"I want to send the message that we all need to own this issue and work together to make a difference," he said.
The idea is part of a legislative priority package that the
Festersen also has requested that the city support an effort, if introduced, to allow protective custody patients to be transported across state lines for access to more beds.
The
"It could speed up the process of folks being able to get the help they need and frees up law enforcement officers to get back out on the streets," she said of the one dealing with mental health professionals.
The proposals come after a mentally ill man died in the custody of
Festersen said his proposal wasn't prompted by a specific incident.
Law enforcement officers can force people in crisis into emergency custody or short-term mental health treatment. Such custody is used for people who are considered a danger to themselves or others.
Giving similar authority to mental health professionals could help lessen the load for officers, who are often the first point of contact for people in mental distress. The department averages about 120 emergency custody situations a month, a spokeswoman said.
It could also get those who are best prepared to deal with a person in crisis involved earlier, Festersen said.
He said he has met with
"It just seems to me that allowing greater involvement from mental health professionals is a positive," Festersen said.
Council members also will vote on whether they should support the following, if introduced in the Legislature:
» A bill, requested by
» A carryover bill by State Sen.
Also, council members will vote on whether they should instruct the city's lobbyist,
» A bill, requested by Mayor
» A bill, requested by Councilwoman
» A bill, requested by City Prosecutor
» A bill, requested by
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