Photo courtesy of the City of Boise
The Behavioral Health Response Team (BHRT) is part of an ongoing effort at the Boise Police Department to better assist those facing a mental health crisis and connect them with needed social services. The BHRT consists of two sworn Behavioral Health Officers and two civilian Mental Health Coordinators. Together they are responsible for a number of duties including responding to related calls for service, developing training and policy for officers and coordinating with community partners.
The BHRT reviews all mental health crisis calls that officers respond to and determine cases that require additional follow up, coordinating with family members and mental health community partners to facilitate delivery of those service and reduce future law enforcement interventions.
Crisis Intervention Training includes lessons in Verbal De-escalation, interviewing techniques for special victims and use of force options with people in crisis. All BPD officers receive training to recognize the signs of mental illness and to respond appropriately and the Mental Health Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that training and policy is up to date.
The Mental Health Coordinator also conducts presentations for community partners and monitors legislative changes related to mental health issues and ensures our departments compliance with all applicable laws. The MHC serves as the department’s source for an accurate inventory of community partners and the services they provide.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline. You are not alone. Text or Call 1-208-398-4357 or 1-800-273-8255.
