Bend PD forms response team’ for mental health crises

The Bend Police Department announced Wednesday the recent formation of a new team intended to help community members through difficult times, specifically mental health crises.

The new Community Response Team started in November, said Lt. Clint Burleigh. The mission, he said, “is to protect and serve by reaching out with our community partners to help those facing a mental health crisis by offering a variety of mental health resources and support.”

The Community Response Team is working to :develop positive relationships with our community partners and those in need of mental health services to accomplish this goal,” Burleigh said

Working proactively with citizens regularly suffering from mental health distress is a key role for the Community Response Team.

“We understand that a mental health crisis does not only affect the individual, but also families of the affected individuals and other community members,” the lieutenant said.

Its partnerships in the community are with Deschutes County Parole and Probation, Sage View, the Shepherd’s House, the Bethlehem Inn, Central Oregon Veterans Outreach, Deschutes County Mental Health, Deschutes Recovery Center, St. Charles Bend, the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office and the Deschutes County Mental Health Court Program.

This team is comprised of Sergeant Liz Lawrence, Officer Faith Wiles and Officer Kecia Weaver.

“We are proud of the job they are doing, bettering the lives all community members of Bend,” Burleigh said.