pages: CityCouncil/2022-04-19.pdf, 15
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
CityCouncil | 2022-04-19 | 15 | expressed concern about staffing levels and possible burnout; stated that she would like to hear about what needs to be done in order to create a long-term successful program; there is a broader trend at the State level with nationally recognized mental health first response; she would also like to build partnerships with AUSD; California is investing in behavioral and mental health; the process needs to be expansive and not solely focused on staffing for County Behavioral Health Services; school based mental health counselors are important; expressed support for the CARE program partnering with and building off of resources in order to receive ongoing funding and ensure a lasting program. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated it has been less than one year since Council made the decision to allow AFD to provide CARE program services; discussed the Council decision; stated the program is bold and is comprised of first responders; AFS joined the program in December 2021; expressed support for program staff thinking outside the box for an Alameda solution; discussed the vote approving the program; stated it can be difficult to think about what is best for the community; she is proud of the results and good work; requested clarification about why Police join some of the calls for service and for APD being dispatched to a call; inquired whether Police receive the call and about the criteria used by dispatch. The Fire Chief responded said data is the reason the City is bringing on Beyond Lucid Technology (BLT); staff identified dots are not able to be connected for data; staff reached out to the City Manager when approached by BLT; BLT is on board; staff is working to get BLT the needed access to data points; staff is working to show what success looks like to meet the direction of reducing the Police presence during calls for service; APD responds to ensure AFD members are safe on scene; the program will evolve and staff will see what does and does not work; he would like to ensure all crews are safe on scene; triage calls include AFD or APD as primary; AFD primary calls make initial contact with clients and Police may be in the area while staging to provide support when needed; if the client be potentially dangerous or have a weapon, then APD is primary and will make the first contact; if a client inside is unwilling to come out of a building, APD will ensure safety clearance; once data is compiled, staff hopes to show Council a reduction in Police on-scene time; discussed Assembly Bill (AB) 988; stated a comprehensive mental health response program will be required by July 2027; discussed an upcoming County meeting about the 9-8-8 number. The Police Chief stated the matter has been covered well; the program is fantastic; APD supports CARE; there is a triage system to help decide which entity is dispatched; APD looks to support AFD by staging nearby and not being present; APD is closely monitoring the calls and the program; the mindset for the program is moving in the direction of finding every opportunity not to have APD presence unless necessary; staff identified the incident of APD being dispatched to a CARE call and recognized cross information was provided; APD provided training to ensure similar mishaps do not occur again; staff is committed to working to overcome issues. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed support for the Fire Chief bringing a report to Council when the 9-8-8 number is approved. The Fire Chief stated staff is monitoring the matter closely and hopes the number will positively impact mental health response services throughout California; the standard will be adopted at the federal level; 9-8-8 will be utilized for accessing mental health professionals; the program will extend into triaging and how calls or protocols are used to send the correct resource. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council April 19, 2022 13 | CityCouncil/2022-04-19.pdf |