The Mental Health Field Response Grant Program (RCW 36.28A.440) provides grants to local police and sheriff’s departments to improve the interactions between the public and law enforcement. Mental health professionals assist patrol officers in the field or in an on-call capacity, they also provide training on best practices.
These innovative partnerships reduce the possibility of using force and improve public safety overall. Instead of booking someone into jail, they may be connected with services or diverted to a more appropriate facility for care. The program is one of the ways your local law enforcement is working to find solutions for communities.
RCW 36.28A.440 requires WASPC to submit annual reports on the status of the program.