Program Description

Emotionally Disturbed Persons Response Team, Rochester, New York

Overview

Based on the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) model, the Rochester Police Department developed the Emotionally Disturbed Persons Response Team (EDPRT) in 2004. The purpose of the EDPRT is to respond to individuals in the community who come to the attention of law enforcement and who are experiencing a psychiatric emergency or increased emotional distress. Team members undergo 80 hours of specialized training conducted by police trainers and local mental health providers focused on such topics as recognizing the symptoms of mental illness, intervention techniques, and the local service system. Collaboration with the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) enhanced the curriculum to include presentations by consumers of mental health services. Also incorporated in the training are the unique challenges presented by children and adolescents experiencing mental health crises and ways to support parents. The focus of the team is to connect individuals to needed assessment and treatment services and avoid criminal arrests where possible.

Following completion of the training, EDPRT members meet regularly for supervision and technical assistance with the Commanding Officer and a Clinical Consultant. This provides an opportunity for case review and additional training in mental health, and focuses on improving overall effectiveness. The team handles about 600 calls on an annual basis; approximately 10 percent involve juveniles.

Typical calls involving juveniles are from schools and parents. Officers gather collateral information and conduct a face-to-face assessment prior to deciding a disposition. Possible outcomes include arranging for transportation to a psychiatric emergency room for further assessment, referral for follow-up by the mental health mobile crisis team, and/or a referral to other mental health services. When time permits, officers are encouraged to conduct follow-up calls (in person or via phone) to families.

Consistent with outcome assessments of other CIT programs, the EDPRT has demonstrated lower arrest rates when dealing with citizens exhibiting signs of mental illness. Compared to non-EDPRT officers, the EDPRT has also shown a decreased use of force and subsequent lower injury rate for both citizens and police officers.  Assessment of training outcomes showed that stigma decreased following training. In addition, self-efficacy regarding dealing with individuals with emotional disturbance increased and was maintained three months after training.

Because other local police jurisdictions participated in the training but are without a formal team, efforts are currently underway to form a multi-jurisdiction crisis intervention task force to provide an infrastructure for all police agencies in the County with trained officers to facilitate ongoing review of policy and procedures, increased dialogue with mental health system representatives, and an opportunity to provide ongoing training.

References

(2005) Personal communication with Don Kamin, Supervising Clinical Consultant, Monroe County Office of Mental Health, Rochester, NY.

Alexander, C. & Weaver, E. (2005). (2004-2005) Annual Report: Emotionally Disturbed Persons Response Team.  Rochester Police Department, Rochester, New York.

Kamin, D., Cross, W., & Berardini, D. (2006, April). Assessment of Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training Outcomes.  Paper presented at the 2006 GAINS Center Conference, Boston.

Program Contact

Sgt. Dan Berardini
Commanding Officer, EDPRT
Rochester Police Department
185 Exchange Blvd.
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: 585-428-9943

Don Kamin, Ph.D.
Supervising Clinical Consultant
Monroe County Office of Mental Health
1099 Jay Street, Bldg. J
Rochester, NY 14611
Phone: 585-613-7623