Kimberley RCMP report success with mental health initiative
Kimberley Daily BulletinAug 19, 2021
Sgt.
When he delivered the fourth quarter report in April, Woodcox reported that his detachment was working with
Woodcox reported that initial efforts in that area have been very positive.
Working with mental health nurses and clinicians from IH has been very successful, he said. RCMP members have been able to take IH personnel along on some house calls on a regular basis rather than just an emergency situation.
"This partnership with
Woodcox said mental health calls were down over this quarter, just 18, down from 37 in the last quarter. He directly relates this drop to the partnership with IH.
It has also allowed RCMP members to build relationships with people with ongoing issues.
"Some even call the detachment and ask to speak to a specific officer."
When people call to talk to an officer when they are having a bad day, it can prevent things from escalating into a potentially violent situation, he says.
"I've seen the change," Woodcox said. "It's been very positive."