Presque Isle Police Chief Chris Hayes has noticed an increase in emergency calls in recent months and wanted to have a mental health professional on-site at the department so officers can respond to people who need counseling.
That wish became a reality about three weeks ago when an in-house social worker joined the company. Aroostook Mental Health Services, Inc.serves Aroostook, Washington and Hancock counties, providing counseling, support and crisis intervention.
Police are often the first to respond when people are in crisis. But law enforcement officers are not trained in counseling, and the few facilities that can refer people in distress often lack the space and staff. This partnership, the first of its kind in Aroostook County, adds resources to the Presque Isle Police Department’s team to help connect people to critical help and prevent relapses.
