SF Plans New “Crisis Team” Ambulances for Summer 2021
San Francisco has a new type of ambulance; it’s specifically for the Street Crisis Response Teams, which launched in November 30, 2020. And thanks to Jacob Ward with NBC News, now you can get an inside look at the team in action.
There’s currently two teams that respond to 911 calls regarding people experiencing behavioral health crises, and also drive around looking for those in need of their help. The Street Crisis Response Team is part of San Francisco’s efforts to develop alternatives to police responses to non-violent calls. The goal is to have 6 teams operational by summer.
The San Francisco Police Department is also a key partner in the transition of certain types of 911 calls to these new teams. This team includes a behavioral health clinician, peer specialist, and a medical professional. Depending on their assessment of the situation, they can connect clients with behavioral health support, provide on-scene counseling, or call for an ambulance transport. In situations that are violent or relate to criminal activity, SFPD will continue to be involved.
The Street Crisis Response Team is part of San Francisco’s efforts to develop alternatives to police responses to non-violent calls, which advances the Mayor’s roadmap to fundamentally change the way that the City handles public safety, and is also a major step in implementing Mental Health SF.
Related Stories:
SF May Try Non-Police Response to Homeless – 1/20/2021
SF Now Sends “Crisis Team” to Some 911 Calls Instead of Cops – 12/1/2020
Oakland to Send “Crisis Team” to Some 911 Calls Instead of Cops – 6/29/20
Not every 911 call requires a police response. We created our Street Crisis Response Teams to help people in distress get the care and services they need from trained experts.
Not only is it the right approach, it also frees up police resources to focus on criminal activity. https://t.co/3HJBJRQnpC
— London Breed (@LondonBreed) March 5, 2021
