CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Police Department (CPD) said it was working to bridge the gap between police officers and people with mental health issues who needed help.
CPD now has a crisis intervention team, with mental health professionals and police officers working together to respond to certain calls.
The Crisis Intervention Team is a national program designed to help police officers respond to calls involving people with mental health issues.
Here in Cleveland, police are working with the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Commission (ADAMHS).
Emma Borelli puts on a bulletproof vest and prepares to hit the field. She’s not a police officer, but she’s around them almost every day.
“I am very passionate about crises in particular. Working in this niche, it took me so long to realize that there are holes and we are not responding to crises in the best way that we can. No. So it’s really exciting to be a part of this change,” she said.
Borelli is a crisis intervention specialist who rides with cops when they answer mental health calls. Appropriately caring for individuals with mental health issues is part of CPD’s mission.
Charles Leonardi is a crisis intervention police officer who has worked with Borelli for a year. He said the program was an eye opener for him.
“I’ve learned a lot from Emma over the last year,” she said. .”
Borelli says the new partnership in Cleveland is a step in the right direction, but adds that many divisions still have a long way to go.
CPD said figures in its annual report show a decline in the use of force when responding to mental health calls.
