HomeMy WebLinkAbout21 - Response to the Orange County Grand Jury Report "Law Enforcement's Response to Mental Health Calls for ServiceQ SEW Pp�T
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z NEWPORT BEACH
c�<,FORN'P City Council Staff Report
July 23, 2024
Agenda Item No. 21
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Joe Cartwright, Chief of Police - 949-644-3701,
jartwright@nbpd.org
PREPARED BY: Javier Aguilar, Deputy Chief, Patrol Division - 949-644-3720,
jaguilar@nbpd.org
TITLE: Response to the Orange County Grand Jury Report "Law
Enforcement's Response to Mental Health Calls for Service"
ABSTRACT:
For the City Council's consideration is approval of a response letter to the 2023-2024
Orange County Grand Jury report entitled "Law Enforcement's Response to Mental
Health Calls for Service" pursuant to Penal Code Section 9.33.05 (a) and (b). The City of
Newport Beach is required to comment on specific findings and recommendations in the
report no later than September 4, 2024.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
a) Determine this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because
this action will not result in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly;
and
b) Approve the City's response to the 2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury report, "Law
Enforcement's Response to Mental Health Calls for Service" and authorize the Mayor
to submit the letter to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court.
DISCUSSION:
On May 30, 2024, the Orange County Grand Jury (OCGJ) released a report entitled "Law
Enforcement's Response to Mental Health Calls for Service" (Attachment A), an
investigative report on how prepared Orange County law enforcement agencies are to
respond to mental health calls for service. As part of that analysis, the Grand Jury gave
findings in several areas, such as mental health training for law enforcement officers that
exceed state requirements, the development of unique ways to deal with mental health
calls, collaboration with the County of Orange's Psychiatric Emergency and Response
Team and Be Well OC units to give a better response to mental health calls for service,
de-escalating methods for officers such as wearing "soft uniforms," and providing follow-
up case management for mental health issues.
The Orange County Grand Jury's report prompted the City to respond to the findings. In
the proposed response letter (Attachment B), the City outlines its proactive and robust
response to mental health calls for service. The Grand Jury's assessment acknowledged
that law enforcement agencies across Orange County have implemented unique
strategies to effectively handle mental health calls, leading to the absence of any
recommendations in the report.
21-1
Response to the Orange County Grand Jury Report
"Law Enforcement's Response to Mental Health Calls for Service"
July 23, 2024
Page 2
With the approval of the City Council, the attached response letter can be forwarded to
the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact related to this item.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
Staff recommends the City Council find this action is not subject to the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not
result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment)
and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA
Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no
potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly.
z[9111[NVLes
The agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of
the meeting at which the City Council considers the item).
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A — Orange County Grand Jury Report "Law Enforcement's Response to
Mental Health Calls for Service"
Attachment B — Proposed Response to the Orange County Grand Jury Response from
the City of Newport Beach
21-2
Attachment A
Grand Jury Report
21-3
May 30, 2024
Will O'Neill, Mayor
City of Newport Beach
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Dear Mayor O'Neill:
ORANGE COUNTY GRAND IURY
700 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE WEST • SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA 92701 • 714/334-3320
www.ocgrandiury.org • FAX 714/834-5555
CONFIDENTIAL
Enclosed is a copy of the 2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury report, Law Enforcement's Response to Mental Health
Calls for Service. Pursuant to Penal Code 933.05(f), a copy of the report is being provided to you at least two working days
prior to its public release. Please note that under that subsection, "No officer, agency, department, or governing body of a
public agency shall disclose any contents of the reportprior to the public release of the final report." (Emphasis added.) It is
required that you provide a response to each of the findings and recommendations of this report directed to your office in
compliance with Penal Code 933.05(a) and (b), copy is enclosed.
Please distribute this report to your governing body.
For each Grand Jury recommendation accepted and not implemented, provide a schedule for future implementation. In
addition, by the end of March of each subsequent year, please report on the progress being made on each recommendation
accepted but not completed. These annual reports should continue until all recommendations are implemented.
Please mail the response to the recommendations to Maria Hernandez, Presiding Judge of the Superior Court, 700 Civic
Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701, with a separate copy mailed to the Orange County Grand Jury, 700 Civic Center
Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701, no later than 90 days after the public release date, June S, 2024, in compliance with Penal
Code 933, copy enclosed. The due date then is September 4, 2024.
Should additional time for responding to this report be necessary for further analysis, Penal Code 933.05(b)(3) permits an
extension of time up to six months from the public release date. Such extensions should be advised in writing, with the
information required in Penal Code 933.05(b)(3), to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court, with a separate copy of the
request to the Grand Jury.
We tentatively plan to issue the public release on June S, 2024. Upon public release, the report will be available on the Grand
Jury website at www.ocgrandjury.org.
Very truly yours,
0
Michael J. Verrengia, Foreperson
2023-2024 ORANGE COUNTY GRAND JURY
MJV:jm
Enclosures: Grand Jury Report
Penal Code 933, 933.05
Cc: Grace K. Leung, City Manager
Joe Cartwright, Chief of Police 21-4
California Penal Code Sections 933 and §933.05
(Note: To reduce grand jury requests for additional response information, the grand Jury has bolded those words in §933.05
which should be appropriately included in a response.)
933. (a) Each grand jury shall submit to the presiding judge of the superior court a final report of its findings and
recommendations that pertain to county government matters during the fiscal or calendar year. Final reports on any
appropriate subject may be submitted to the presiding judge of the superior court at any time during the term of service
of a grand jury. A final report may be submitted for comment to responsible officers, agencies, or departments,
includinb the county board of supervisors, when applicable, erpi upon finding of the presiding Judge. that the report is in
compliance.with this title.. For 45 days after the end of the term, the foreperson and his or her designees shall, upon
reasonable notice, be available to clarify the recommendations of the report.
{b). One_copy of each. final_ reRox t;-together-with the responses thereto, found to be in compliance with this title shall be
placed on file with the clerk of the'court and remain on file in the office of the clerk. The clerk shall immediately
forward a true copy of the report.and_the-responses to the State Archivist who shall retain that report and all responses
in perpetuity.
(c) -No- later _than. 90 days after:the grand jury submits. a final report on the operations of any public agency subject to its
reviewing authority-, the governing body of the.public agency shall comment to thepresiding judge of the superior court
_ . on the-findings_and-recommendations pertaining to matters under the control of the governing body, and every elected
county officer or agency head for which -the grand jury has responsibility pursuant to Section 914.1 shall comment
within 60 days to the presiding judge of the superior court, with an information copy sent to the board of supervisors,
on the findings and recommendations pertaining to matters under the control of that county officer or agency head and
any agency-or:agencies which that officer or agency head supervises or controls. In any city and county, the mayor
hall also comme. .on-the.frndings and recommendations. All of these comments and reports shall forthwith be
Sub.mitted.to the_presiding judge of -the superior court who impaneled the grand jury. A copy of all responses to grand
jury reports shall be.placed on fxlemith the clerk of.the public agency and the office of the county clerk, or the mayor
when applicable, -and shall remain on file in those offices. One copy shall be placed on file with the applicable grand
jury final report by, and in the control of the currently impaneled grand jury, where it shall be maintained for a
minimum of five years.
(d) As used in this section "agency" includes a department.
933.05. (a). For purposes of -subdivision (b) of Section 933, as to each grand jury finding, the responding person or entity shall
indicate one of the following:
(1) The respondent agrees with the finding.
(2) .The respondent disagrees wholly.or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion
of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor.
(b) For purposes.of subdivision.(b) of Section 933, as to each grand jury recommendation, the responding person or entity
shall report one of the following actions:
w: (1) -The, recornmendation:has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action.
{2)_The.recmmead0iouUs. not_yet:.been.implemented, but will be implemented in the fixture, with a timeframe
for implementation.
(3).The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis
or study, and.a timeframe for'thematter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or
department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency when applicable. This
timeframe shall not exceed six months from the date of publication of the grand jury report.
(4) The recommendation will -not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an
explanation therefor.
.(e)__:13owever., iLaa fxnding:or.recommendation of the grand jury addresses budgetary or personnel matters of a county
agency or. department; headed. by an elected officer.,. both the agency or department head and the board of supervisors
shall --respond if.requested.by.the.grand jury.; but the response of the board of supervisors shall address only those
budgetary or personnel matters over which it has. some decision making authority. The response of the elected agency
. _.. - . or department head shall address.alf aspects of the findings or recommendations affecting his or her agency or
department.
(d) A grand. jury may.request-a_subject person or entity to come before the grand jury for the purpose of reading and
_-discussing the findings.of the grand jury-r-eport that relates to that person or entity in order to verify the accuracy of the
findings prior to their release.
(e) During an. investigation, the grand jury shall meet with the subject of that investigation regarding the investigation,
unless the court, either on its own determination or upon request of the foreperson of the grand jury, determines that
such a meeting would be detrimental.
(0 A grand juryshall provide to the affected agency.a copy of the portion of the grand jury report relating to that person or
entity two working days prior -to its public release and after the approval of the presiding judge. No officer, agency,
department, or governing body of a public agency shall disclose any contents of the report prior to the public release of 21-5
the final rennrt.
A
w
GRAND 1URY2023-2024
21-6
Law Enforcement's Response to Mental Health Calls for Service
Table of Contents
SUMMARY......................................................................................................................1
BACKGROUND..............................................................................................................1
REASONFOR THE STUDY...........................................................................................2
INVESTIGATION AND ANALYSIS.................................................................................4
Legislative Acts to Support Mental Health Training for Law Enforcement ....................
4
Innovative Law Enforcement Mental Health Strategies ................................................ 5
Orange County Service Planning Areas (SPAs)..........................................................
9
Law Enforcement Partnerships..................................................................................
10
COMMENDATIONS......................................................................................................13
FINDINGS................................................................ ..........14
RECOMMENDATIONS.................................................................................................14
RESPONSES................................................................................................................15
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................17
GLOSSARY..................................................................................................................19
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................
20
2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury Page ii
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Law Enforcement's Response to Mental Health Calls for Service
SUMMARY
Approximately 8.8 million Americans have a severe mental illness such as
schizophrenia, severe bi-polar disorder, or major depression with psychiatric features.'
Almost half of these people are treated on a given day.2 Without proper treatment,
people with severe mental illness are at risk of experiencing negative outcomes that
seriously impact them and the people around them.
Decades ago, law enforcement officers in Orange County became mental health
clinicians without proper training. While State legislation has since required police
agencies to increase mental health training, Orange County law enforcement agencies
have surpassed the State's expectations. The Orange County Grand Jury (OCGJ)
believes that law enforcement in Orange County is a model for training law enforcement
personnel on mental health crisis intervention techniques and collaborating with
behavioral health organizations to improve service and reduce stigma for those affected
by mental illness.
BACKGROUND
In March 2021, two Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department (LASD) deputies
responded to a call regarding a deaf and autistic male adult named Isaias Cervantes
who was experiencing a mental health crisis. When deputies arrived, they asked
Cervantes to stand up so he could be handcuffed as a safety precaution, and the
incident escalated. Cervantes became combative with the deputies, which resulted in
one of the deputies shooting him in the back. Consequently, Cervantes is paralyzed and
recently won a $25 million settlement against the County of Los Angeles. The LASD
Internal Affairs Bureau concluded that excessive force during this incident was
warranted per departmental procedure, although Los Angeles County Risk
Management prepared a Summary Corrective Action Plan that focused on numerous
root causes for the escalation, including:
Desk personnel (i.e., dispatch) failed to ask about the nature of Cervantes'
mental impairment.
Desk personnel (i.e., dispatch) failed to send the Mental Evaluation Team as
part of the response.'
1 Treatment Advocacy Center, "Serious Mental Illness by the Numbers," 2022.
https://www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org,
2 Ibid.
3 The Times Staff Editorial, "Sheriff's Shooting Cost Taxpayers $25 Million. Where's the Accountability?"
Los Angeles Times, April 8, 2024.
2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury Page 1
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Law Enforcement's Response to Mental Health Calls for Service
Approximately one-third of individuals with severe mental illness have their first
exposure to mental health treatment through a law enforcement encounter.4 Law
enforcement officers are often on the front lines of psychiatric care, charged with
responding to, addressing, and preventing a mental illness crisis. Responding to and
transporting individuals with mental illness occupies more than twenty percent of a law
enforcement officers' time.$ Many law enforcement agencies across the United States
are looking at an alternative approach to mental health calls for service by partnering
with mental health professionals rather than handling these calls as the sole first
responder. The OCGJ has found that law enforcement agencies throughout Orange
County have adopted one or a combination of the following three models to address
mental health calls:
• Police Model. All mental health calls for service are handled by police with a
clinician back-up.
Co -Responder Model. Trained mental health professionals are dispatched along
with the officers responding to certain calls.
• Alternative Mental Health Response. Only a mental health professional is
dispatched to nonviolent calls such as attempted suicide; mentally ill; drug
violation; drunk pedestrian; person down; trespasser; and well-being check.
REASON FOR THE STUDY
Christian Glass was a geology enthusiast, a painter, and a young man beset by a
mental health crisis when he called 911 for help getting his car unstuck in a Colorado
mountain town last year. Convinced that supernatural beings were after him, he balked
when sheriff's deputies told him to get out of his car. Body camera video shows that the
officers shouted, threatened, and coaxed. Glass hoped that officers would not break his
car window, but they did, and the young adult grabbed a small knife. Then he was hit
with bean bag rounds, stun gun charges and, ultimately, bullets that killed him and led
to a murder charge against one deputy and a criminally negligent homicide charge
against another.cl Along with the Cervantes incident described above, this article is just
one of numerous examples indicating that society needs to reevaluate police protocol
when responding to mental health calls for service.
4 Treatment Advocacy Center, "Road Runners: The Role and Impact of Law Enforcement in Transporting
Individuals with Severe Mental Illness," 2019.
https:llwww.treatmentadvocacycenter.org,
5 Jody M. Litchford, JD., "Partnering with Mental Health Providers to Improve Outcomes," Police Chief,
December 2023, p. 12.
6 Jennifer Peitz and Jesse Bedayn, "Many Big US Cities Now Answer Mental Health Crisis Calls with
Civilian Teams — Not Police," Associated Press, August 27, 2023.
2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury Page 2
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Law Enforcement's Response to Mental Health Calls for Service
The OCGJ felt it was vital to research via interviews with law enforcement leaders, law
enforcement educators, and mental health professionals how Orange County assists
individuals who suffer from mental illness. It is important to note that this report does not
focus on mental health issues that exist within the homeless community, although the
OCGJ learned that a significant number of unhoused individuals suffer from mental
illness, including substance abuse disorder, which leads to a significant number of
police calls for service.
METHOD OF STUDY
The OCGJ conducted thirty-one interviews. Twenty-three of these interviews involved
key personnel from law enforcement agencies representing all cities and unincorporated
areas in Orange County, including the police agency at the University of California,
Irvine (UC[). The OCGJ also interviewed representatives from the Orange County
Sheriff's Regional Academy and Golden West College Police Academy, Orange County
mental health stakeholders including the Orange County Health Care Agency's Mental
Health and Recovery Services Department, the National Alliance on Mental Illness —
Orange County Chapter (NAMI OC), and Project Kinship. In addition, the OCGJ
conducted the following tours:
• Orange County Central Jail Complex, including the Intake Release Center (IRC),
Men's Jail, and Women's Jail
• Central Justice Center Holding Facility
• James A. Musick Jail (under construction)
• Theo Lacy Jail
• Yale Navigation Center and Bridges at Kraemer Place
• Orange County Juvenile Hall and Youth Leadership Academy
• Be Well, Orange Campus
Members of the OCGJ attended monthly meetings of the Orange County Criminal
Justice Coordinating Council (OCCJCC), which is a planning body of County
government, law enforcement, courts/corrections, and social service agencies
responsible for improving public safety on behalf of Orange County residents. These
meetings were insightful and provided an understanding of how Orange County leaders
collaborate to enhance law enforcement services.
The OCGJ also referred to previous Grand Jury reports, Peace Officer Standards and
Training (POST) material, police training documents provided by the Orange County
Sheriff's Regional Training Academy and Golden West College Police Academy, and
local news articles and reports.
2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury Page 3
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Law Enforcement's Response to Mental Health Calls for Service
INVESTIGATION AND ANALYSIS
Legislative Acts to Support Mental Health Training for Law
Enforcement
Even in situations in which police officers have completed relevant mental health crisis
training, the mere presence of armed, uniformed officers can exacerbate feelings of
distress for people with behavioral health conditions. While mental health training in law
enforcement is mandated, field experience is also essential in producing positive
outcomes to mental health calls for service. Listed below is an overview of mandated
mental health training for law enforcement personnel that is regulated by POST.
Peace Officer, Public Safety Dispatcher and Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor
Most often, law enforcement officers are the initial first responders for incidents
involving untreated mental illness. On January 1, 2016, Senate Bill (SB) 11 went into
effect mandating additional behavioral health training for peace officers. This legislation
was codified in California Penal Code Section 13515.27, which requires every peace
officer (other than a level III Reserve Peace Officer), Public Safety Dispatcher, and
Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor to complete twenty-four or more hours of POST
training every two years. The training includes three consecutive hours of a POST -
certified mental health training course.' Training includes:
• The cause and nature of mental illness, intellectual disability, and substance
abuse disorders.
• Indicators of mental illness, intellectual disability, and substance use disorders.
• Appropriate responses to a variety of situations involving persons with mental
illness, intellectual disability, and substance use disorders.
• Conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques for potentially dangerous
situations.
• Appropriate use of language when interacting with emotionally distressed
individuals.
• Resources available to serve persons with mental illness or intellectual disability.$
Police Recruits
SB 11 also added Penal Code Section 13515.26, which requires POST to include
fifteen hours of behavioral health training in the basic academy course for new police
recruits. Upon graduation from a police academy, police recruits must complete training
on subject matter that covers forty-two different law enforcement topics, also known as
7 State of California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training Website, "Mental Health
Training in Law Enforcement."
B https://california.public.law/codes/ca_penal_code_section_13515.27
2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury Page 4
21-11
Law Enforcement's Response to Mental Health Calls for Service
Learning Domains (LD). One of the topics covered is in LID 37, identified as People with
Disabilities. It provides trainees instruction on disability laws, developmental disabilities,
physical disabilities, and mental illness.9 While in the academy, recruits learn to
recognize general indicators of mental illness so that appropriate actions can be taken.
The following indicators assist recruits in determining whether a behavior is related to
mental illness:
• Fearfulness
• Inappropriate Behavior
• Extreme Inflexibility and/or Frustration
• Symptoms of Excitability
• Impaired Self -Care
• Hallucinations and Delusions
• Disorganized Speech, Thought Patterns, or Disorientation
• Clinical Depression
• Bipolar Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Postpartum -Depression
• Psychosis
• Post -traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Personality Disorder70
Supervisorial Police Officers
SB 29, which also went into effect on January 1, 2016, requires police officers in
supervisory roles who conduct field training to receive twelve hours of behavioral health
training, including eight hours of crisis intervention instruction and an additional four
hours in the Field Training Officer program, on how to interact with persons with mental
illness or intellectual disability.
Innovative Law Enforcement Mental Health Strategies
The OCGJ interviewed high-ranking officers from twenty-three law enforcement
agencies representing all cities and unincorporated areas in Orange County, including
9 California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training Website, "Mental Health Training in the
Regular Basic Course."
10 California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, Learning Domain 37, People with
Disabilities, Version 6.0, Chapter 4.
2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury Page 5
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Law Enforcement's Response to Mental Health Calls for Service
the police agency at UCI. The OCGJ found that each city and/or unincorporated area
handles mental health calls for service in its own, unique way. This is especially true
with smaller cities that lack special funding to establish innovative mental health
programs. However, smaller cities also have a more modest unhoused population,
which makes enforcement more manageable than in larger municipalities. Table 1 on
page 13 of this report summarizes key interview results with Orange County law
enforcement agencies.
In Orange County, law enforcement's handling of mental health issues has evolved to
include non -sworn mental health clinicians. This approach recognizes the need for
specialized assistance in dealing with individuals experiencing mental health crises and
provides a more tailored and compassionate response. Law enforcement
representatives interviewed by the OCGJ agree that individuals experiencing a mental
health crisis typically respond better when approached by clinicians who are not
wearing uniforms, and emphasize the importance of sensitivity and understanding in
these encounters.
Seven Orange County cities plus UCI have contracted with Be Well Orange County to
provide mobile response vans staffed with two mental health clinicians seven days a
week. The Homeless Outreach and Proactive Engagement (HOPE) Center, serving
cities in North Orange County, uses a mobile office vehicle to connect with individuals in
the community. Although the HOPE Center is primarily focused on issues related to
homelessness, outreach workers are equipped to provide links to service for individuals
suffering from mental illness.
Mental health clinicians from the Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT) ride
with law enforcement officers in seventeen Orange County cities. Law enforcement in
any Orange County city can call the Crisis Assessment Team (CAT), a program that
helps anyone in the county who is experiencing a behavioral health crisis. The PERT
and CAT teams are staffed by clinicians from the Orange County Health Care Agency
(OCHCA).
Some of the smaller police departments may not need an in-house crisis intervention
worker, but are familiar with households that include persons with mental health issues,
and their officers have established relationships with these families. Officers are also
acquainted with many homeless individuals in these cities because their homeless
populations are relatively sparse.
Although police agencies may differ in the way mental health calls for service are
addressed, there is consensus that police departments would like more time to focus on
crime -related calls for service.
Orange County Sheriff's Department's Behavioral Health Bureau
The Orange County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) receives approximately 10,000 calls
for service each year involving mental health, individuals experiencing homelessness,
2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury Page 6
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Law Enforcement's Response to Mental Health Calls for Service
and similar crises." In June 2023, the Orange County Board of Supervisors approved
the County's budget for Fiscal Year 2023-24; and within its budget, allocated $2.8
million to expand the OCSD Behavioral Health Bureau (BHB).12 The bureau is a
specialized crisis response team that consists of nine deputy sheriffs, three PERT
deputy sheriffs and one PERT clinician. This specialized team responds to mental
health crisis calls including calls related to homelessness and conducts proactive follow-
up calls. The goal is to assist with de-escalation and diversion to treatment and
services, when appropriate.13
Some police agencies in Orange County are adopting an alternative mental health
approach when responding to mental health calls for service. While there is an appeal
to the idea of removing police from nonviolent psychiatric crisis calls, the challenge is
training 911 dispatchers to gauge these calls and having experienced clinicians
available to expediently respond to them. In March 2024, the OCSD, in partnership with
the OCHCA, launched a dispatch call diversion program that guides OCSD dispatchers
to triage non-violent and non -criminal behavioral health calls (including homelessness)
to determine if they can be diverted to OC Links, which is a 2417 Behavioral Health
Line." OC Links dispatches counselors to these non-violent and non -criminal calls
instead of deputies, freeing up deputies to respond to traditional crime -related calls
instead.15
Orange County Intake Release Center (IRC)
The OCSD has partnered with the OCHCA to reduce inmate behavioral health crises.
There are mental health hotlines available around the clock in each County jail so that
deputies can report concerns regarding an inmate's mental health or behavior that
might lead to self -harm. The IRC is part of the Central Jail complex in Santa Ana and
houses inmates who suffer from severe mental illness. The facility can house up to 849
inmates and is staffed by sheriff's deputies from the BHB. The cells in the mental health
unit have been modified to address safety and self -harm concerns. There are also
visiting areas where inmates can use computer tablets for video calls with family,
reading e-books, searching for jobs, receiving education, and playing cognitively
stimulating games.
11 Orange County Sheriff's Department News Release, "OC Sheriff Partners with the OC Health Care
Agency to Support Individuals in Crisis." httpsl/ocsheriff.gov.
12 Minutes of the Orange County Board of Supervisors Meeting on June 27, 2023; Adoption of the Fiscal
Year 2034-24 Final Budget Resolution.
13 OC Cares Justice Through Prevention and Intervention, 2025 Quarterly Status Report, October —
December 2023, p 16.
14 Orange County Sheriffs Department News Release "OC Sheriff Partners with the OC Health Care
Agency to Support Individuals in Crisis," httpstlocsheriff.gov.
15 lbld.
2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury Page 7
21-14
Law Enforcement's Response to Mental Health Calls for Service
Fullerton Police Department Social Worker Program
In 2023, Orange County Supervisor Doug Chaffee allocated $1 million from the Fourth
Supervisorial District Discretionary Grants to help fund the Fullerton Police Department
Social Worker Program, which is a two-year pilot program.16 The objective is to
dispatch licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) alongside or in lieu of police officers
when responding to mental health crises, domestic violence, or juvenile delinquency.
The program consists of two LCSWs and focuses on crisis response, mediation,
referrals to health care providers, treatment plans and case follow-ups, and de-
escalation techniques for peaceful resolution.
Irvine Police Department Mental Health Unit
In 2014, the Irvine Police Department established a mental health unit that consists of
three sworn police officers and two County PERT clinicians. The mental health sworn
officers partner with the PERT clinicians in response to mental health calls for service.
When not responding to mental health calls for service, the mental health unit is
conducting follow-up calls for service with their clients. There is an additional trained
clinician assigned to the mental health unit from the City's FOR Families program that
provides short-term mental health support to Irvine residents on a variety of concerns
including:
• Stress/Depression
• Substance Abuse
• Family Violence
• Relationship Problems
• Legal/Financial Issues
• Children/Teen Behavioral Difficulties
Residents who are affected by a mental health issue can contact the City's dedicated
email address at outreach (a)cityofirvine.org.
City of Huntington Beach Police Department
Huntington Beach was the first city in Orange County to enter into an agreement with
Be Well OC where two professional crisis counselors respond to non-violent mental
health calls relating to suicide, family disputes, drug/alcohol abuse, welfare checks, and
general mental health crisis calls. Collaboration with Be Well OC has allowed sworn
officers to dedicate more time responding to crime -related calls for service.
16 "Fullerton Police Department Get $1 Million to Start a Pilot Program," Fullerton Observer, July 22, 2023.
2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury Page 8
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Law Enforcement's Response to Mental Health Calls for Service
Orange County Service Planning Areas (SPAs)
Service Planning Areas (SPAS) are divisions of Orange County into North, Central, and
South cities to coordinate homeless shelters and services on a regional basis. The
North Orange County Service Planning Area (North SPA) is the most active and
innovative of the three SPAS. It coordinates collaboration among thirteen cities in North
Orange County. In 2018, North SPA was given over $12 million dollars by the State of
California to address the crisis of homelessness.17 The North SPA partnership is an
effort to comply with a court ruling prohibiting enforcement of anti -camping laws on
public property when local shelter beds are not available. The funding was used to open
two homeless "Navigation Centers," one in Buena Park and the other in Placentia.
The HOPE Center was opened in 2022 to gain more reliable relief and consistent
support for homeless individuals in the North SPA area. The HOPE Center is designed
as a central command center for case workers, mental health clinicians, resource
providers, and homeless liaison officers working together to address public health
issues with an emphasis on homeless individuals. The goal is to end homelessness in
the North SPA cities by getting "the right resource to the right person at the right time.'"8
The HOPE Center mobile office vehicle is used to respond to calls for service. Center
clinicians engage in outreach activities when they are not on calls. At the opening of the
HOPE Center, State Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton/District 29) said the HOPE
Center will be "a critical hub for subject matter experts, health care workers,
community -based organizations, and local law enforcement to coordinate and deliver
resources efficiently under one roof.""
17 "North Orange County Service Planning Area (North SPA) Received $12,062,300 in Homeless
Emergency Aid Program (HEAP) Funding to Open Navigation Center in Buena Paris and Placentia,"
November 9, 2018, https://www.buenapark.com/T2_R49.php,
18 HOPE Center Orange County Mission Statement, https:/Iochopecenter.org,
19 Tess Sheets and Alicia Robinson, "Governor Gavin Newsom Visits to Help Open New Hub for North
Orange County Homeless Services," Orange County Register, October 27, 2022.
2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury Page 9
21-16
Law Enforcement's Response to Mental Health Calls for Service
County of Orange
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Law Enforcement Partnerships
Be Well (Hope Starts Here)
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UNWORPORATEC
Hope Starts Here is the slogan for Be Well OC. It was established in 2017 (under the
leadership of Mind OC) as a public -private partnership which provides mental health
stabilization, a sobering center, and residential housing for both substance abuse and
2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury Page 10
21-17
Law Enforcement's Response to Mental Health Calls for Service
mental health treatment for the residents of Orange County. Insurance is not a
requirement to receive treatment.20
The first of three proposed Be Well campuses opened in January 2021 in the City of
Orange to serve North Orange County. Funding was provided by the County Board of
Supervisors, CalOptima, private donors, and major hospital systems. In October 2023,
construction began on the second Be Well campus located in Irvine's Great Park that
will serve South Orange County. This facility will be larger than the Orange Campus and
will have the additional ability to support children, youth, and families. The campus is
expected to open in 2025. A campus to serve Central Orange County is proposed.
Mind OC was established in 2017 as a California 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The
purpose of the non-profit is to partner with the County of Orange to establish behavioral
health campuses in Orange County. When the Be Well Campus in Orange opened, it
was under the responsibility of the OCHCA. In January of 2023, Mind OC assumed
responsibility for the campus.21
In addition to the Be Well campuses, Be Well OC has a mobile response program. The
slogan for the program is Hope Happens Here.22 Identifiable outreach vans with mental
health crisis counselors (working in pairs) work in collaboration with law enforcement to
respond to mental health calls. The counselors are trained in de-escalation, crisis
stabilization, and counseling. Seven municipal police agencies (Anaheim, Garden
Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Westminster) and
UCI currently have mobile response contracts. Law enforcement agencies without
contracts with the mobile response program can transport people in need to the Be Well
Orange Campus.
Project Kinship (Hope Lives Here)
In November 2014, California voters approved Proposition 47 that reduced some low-
level felonies in the state to misdemeanors. The proposition required the Board of State
and Community Corrections to use a portion of the annual savings from Proposition 47
to administer grant programs for diversion, mental health services, or substance abuse
treatment.23 Since 2016, Orange County has received $12 million in grants from
Proposition 47. Orange County's goal is to reduce the number of people with mild -to -
moderate mental health and/or substance use disorders incarcerated in the county jail
by reducing recidivism through intensive case management, linkages to treatment,
housing and behavioral health services, and community supports upon release.24
20 https:/Ibewelloc.org/
21 Ibid.
22 httpsalmind-oc.org/
23 Libby Doyle, Leigh Courtney, Bryce Peterson of the Urban Institute, "Evaluation of Orange County's
Proposition 47 Grant -Related Services," Executive Summary, September 2021, p.v.
24 Ibid.
2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury Page 11
21-18
Law Enforcement's Response to Mental Health Calls for Service
Located in Santa Ana, Project Kinship was established in 2014 as a non-profit
organization to address people's basic needs upon their release from custody. Although
Project Kinship offers a variety of services including Schools and Youth Programs and a
Workforce Program, this report focuses on the Adult Re -Entry Program in which
Correctional Health Services provides Project Kinship with a list of upcoming inmates
scheduled for release. Project Kinship conducts a triage on those inmates who are
willing to sign an agreement for assistance (for up to eighteen months) that addresses
people's basic needs upon their release from custody, such as housing, referrals to
treatment facilities, mental health counseling, clothing, or reunification with family. Upon
release from jail, these individuals are at risk of recidivism, victimization, and
homelessness when they do not have resources such as clothing and food. The OCSID
collaborates with Project Kinship by providing office space at the IRC and the Theo
Lacy Jail. Project Kinship assists releasees on a round-the-clock basis at these
facilities. Project Kinship is unique in that more than fifty percent of its workforce and all
of its peer navigators have had analogous life experiences.25
The Proposition 47 grant money has allowed Orange County to fund Project Kinship's
relocation to a larger space and hire additional case managers, clinicians, and peer
navigators.26 There are now approximately 120 Project Kinship employees who served
179 clients between July 2020 and March 2021.27 In a meeting at the OCCJCC,
members from the OCGJ witnessed an inspiring story from a Project Kinship employee
as she described how her repeat offenses were causing her to be institutionalized and
comfortable knowing that jail provided her with housing, clothing, food, and some sort of
socialization. It was Project Kinship that approached her when she was preparing to be
released from jail for the last time. Project Kinship provided her with a comprehensive
approach to addressing short -and long-term reentry needs that helped her realize she
could start a new life for herself.
City Net
Seven cities throughout Orange County contract with City Net to work with police
agencies on reducing homelessness through street outreach and engagement.
25 Id., p. 20.
26 Ibid.
27 Id., P. 21.
2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury Page 12
21-19
Law Enforcement's Response to Mental Health Calls for Service
Table 1: Interview Results with Orange County Law Enforcement Agencies
Law Enforcement
Agencies
Be Well
Mobile
Response
Team
PERT
City Net
NorthSpa/Hope
Center
Behavioral
Health
Bureau
Non -Sworn
Crisis Worker
Anaheim
X
X
X
X
Brea
X
Buena Park
X
X
Costa Mesa
X
Cypress
X
Fountain Valley
X
X
Fullerton
X
X
Garden Grove
X
X
Huntington Beach
X
X
X
Irvine
X
X
X
La Habra
X
X
La Palma
X
Laguna Beach
X
X
Los Alamitos
X
X
Newport Beach
X
X
X
Orange
X
X
Placentia
X
X
Santa Ana
X
X
Seal Beach
X
Tustin
X
X
X
Uc l
X
X
*�
Westminster
X
X
Orange County Sheriff
X""
X
City of Fullerton is developing a pilot Social Worker Program within its police department.
UCI has several student counseling services on campus.
""" The cities of Stanton and Yorba Linda are members of North SPA.
COMME
NDATIONS
Orange County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (OCCJCC) — The OCCJCC
is to be commended for its efforts to improve public safety through greater inter -agency
communication, coordination and collaboration regarding law enforcement and
administration of justice issues including mental health.28
28 Orange County Board of Supervisors Resolution No. 2001-38, Adopted February 6, 2001, OCCJCC
Proposed Reorganization.
2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury Page 13
21-20
Law Enforcement's Response to Mental Health Calls for Service
Orange County Intake Release Center (IRC) — The IRC is to be commended for
partnering with the OCHCA to reduce inmate behavioral health crises.
FINDINGS
In accordance with California Penal Code Sections 933 and 933.05, the 2023-2024
Grand Jury requires responses from each agency affected by the findings presented in
this section. The responses are to be submitted to the Presiding Judge of the Superior
Court.
Based on its investigation described here, the 2023-2024 OCGJ has arrived at the
following principal findings:
F1. Mental health training for law enforcement officers in Orange County exceeds the
State's requirements, resulting in law enforcement applying these skills to better
evaluate and handle mental health calls for service.
F2. Law enforcement agencies in Orange County have developed unique ways to
deal with mental health calls in their communities based on their particular needs
and budgets, enabling law enforcement to better serve their communities.
F3. Law enforcement collaboration with County PERT clinicians and Be Well mobile
response units has been an effective tool when responding to mental health calls
for service.
F4. People with mental illness respond more positively to "soft uniformed" police
personnel, which can be effective in de-escalating situations.
F5. Providing follow-up case management is not only necessary but critical for the
we[lbeing of people experiencing mental health issues.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on its investigation, the 2023 — 2024 OCGJ has determined that law enforcement
agencies throughout Orange County have developed unique techniques to adequately
address mental health calls, thus this report does not contain recommendations.
2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury Page 14
21-21
Law Enforcement's Response to Mental Health Calls for Service
RESPONSES
California Penal Code Section 933 requires the governing body of any public agency
which the Grand Jury has reviewed, and about which it has issued a final report, to
comment to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court on the findings and
recommendations pertaining to matters under the control of the governing body. Such
comment shall be made no later than 90 days after the Grand Jury publishes its report
(filed with the Clerk of the Court). Additionally, in the case of a report containing findings
and recommendations pertaining to a department or agency headed by an elected
County official, such official shall comment on the findings and recommendations
pertaining to the matters under that official's control within 60 days to the Presiding
Judge with an information copy sent to the Board of Supervisors.
Furthermore, California Penal Code Section 933.05 specifies the manner in which such
comment(s) are to be made as follows:
(a) As to each Grand Jury finding, the responding person or entity shall indicate
one of the following:
(1) The respondent agrees with the finding.
(2) The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which
case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed
and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefore.
(b) As to each Grand Jury recommendation, the responding person or entity shall
report one of the following actions:
(1) The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding
the implemented action.
(2) The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be
implemented in the future, with a timeframe for implementation.
(3) The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and
the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a timeframe for the
matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency
or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing
body of the public agency when applicable. This timeframe shall not
exceed six months from the date of publication of the Grand Jury report.
(4) The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted
or is not reasonable, with an explanation, thereof.
(c) If a finding or recommendation of the Grand Jury addresses budgetary or
2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury Page 15
21-22
Law Enforcement's Response to Mental Health Calls for Service
personnel matters of a county agency or department headed by an elected
officer, both the agency or department head and the Board of Supervisors
shall respond if requested by the Grand Jury, but the response of the Board
of Supervisors shall address only those budgetary or personnel matters over
which it has some decision -making authority. The response of the elected
agency or department head shall address all aspects of the findings or
recommendations affecting his or her agency or department.
The Orange County Grand Jury requires and requests the following responses, as
indicated:
Findings - 60 Day Response Required
Orange County Sheriff -Coroner F1, F2, F3, F4, F5
Findings - 90 Day Response Required
City Councils of:
Anaheim F1, F2, F3, F4, F5
Brea F1, F2, F4, F5
Buena Park F1, F2, F3, F4, F5
Costa Mesa F1, F2, F3, F4, F5
Cypress F1, F2, F3, F4, F5
Fountain Valley F1, F2, F3, F4, F5
Fullerton F1, F2, F3, F4, F5
Garden Grove F1, F2, F3, F4, F5
Huntington Beach F1, F2, F3, F4, F5
Irvine F1, F2, F3, F4, F5
La Habra F1, F2, F3, F4, F5
La Palma F1, F2, F4, F5
Laguna Beach F1, F2, F3, F4, F5
Los Alamitos F1, F2, F3, F4, F5
2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury Page 16
21-23
Law Enforcement's Response to Mental Health Calls for Service
Newport Beach F1, F2, F3, F4, F5
Orange F1, F2, F3, F4, F5
Placentia F1, F2, F4, F5
Santa Ana F1, F2, F3, F4, F5
Seal Beach F1, F2, F3, F4, F5
Tustin F1, F2, F3, F4, F5
Westminster F1, F2, F3, F4, F5
Findings - 90 Day Response Requested
University of California, Irvine F1, F2, F3, F4, F5
REFERENCES
Be Well OC website: https://bewelloc.org/
California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, Learning Domain 37,
People with Disabilities, Version 6.0, Chapter 4.
California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training Website, "Mental
Health Training in the Regular Basic Course."
"Fullerton Police Department Get $1 Million to Start a Pilot Program," Fullerton
Observer, July 22, 2023.
HOPE Center Orange County Mission Statement, https://ochopecenter.org.
https://california.public.law/codes/ca penal code section 13515.27
"North Orange County Service Planning Area (North SPA) Received $12,062,300 in
Homeless Emergency Aid Program (HEAP) Funding to Open Navigation Center in
Buena Park and Placentia," November 9, 2018,
https:llwww.buenapark.com/T2_R49.phphttps://www.buenapark.com/T2 R49.php.
Jennifer Peltz and Jesse Bedayn, "Many Big U.S. Cities Now Answer Mental Health
Crisis Calls with Civilian Teams - Not Police," Associated Press, August 27, 2023.
Jody M. Litchford, JD., "Partnering with Mental Health Providers to Improve Outcomes,"
Police Chief, December 2023.
2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury Page 17
21-24
Law Enforcement's Response to Mental Health Calls for Service
Libby Doyle, Leigh Courtney, Bryce Peterson of the Urban Institute, "Evaluation of
Orange County's Proposition 47 Grant -Related Services," Executive Summary,
September 2021.
Lill Robin, "Assessment of the Orange County, California, Homeless Mentally III
Outreach and Treatment Services," Urban Institute, May 2021.
Mind OC website: https://mind-oc.org/
Minutes of the Orange County Board of Supervisors Meeting, Public Hearing to
Consider Adoption of the Fiscal Year 2034-24 Budget.
OC Cares Justice Through Prevention and Intervention, 2025 Quarterly Status Report,
October — December 2023.
OCGJ Report, The Mental Illness Revolving Door: A Problem for Police, Hospitals, and
the Health Care Agency, 2015.
Orange County Board of Supervisors Resolution No. 2001-38, Adopted February 6,
2001, OCCJCC Proposed Reorganization.
Orange County Sheriff's Department News Release, "OC Sheriff Partners with the OC
Health Care Agency to Support Individuals in Crisis." https//ocsheriff.gov.
State of California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training Website,
"Mental Health Training in Law Enforcement."
Tess Sheets and Alicia Robinson, "Governor Gavin Newsom Visits to Help Open New
Hub for North Orange County Homeless Services," Orange County Register, October
27, 2022.
The Times Staff Editorial, "Sheriffs Shooting Cost Taxpayers $25 million. Where's the
Accountability?" Los Angeles Times, April 8, 2024.
Treatment Advocacy Center, "Road Runners: The Role and Impact of Law Enforcement
in Transporting Individuals with Severe Mental Illness," 2019. Retrieved from
https://www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org.
Treatment Advocacy Center, "Serious Mental Illness by the Numbers," 2022. Retrieved
from https:llwww.treatmentadvocacycenter.org.
Urban Institute Interim Evaluation Report, "Evaluation of Orange County's Proposition
47 Grant -Related Services," September 2021.
2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury Page 18
21-25
Law Enforcement's Response to Mental Health Calls for Service
GLOSSARY
BHB Behavioral Health Bureau (Orange County Sheriff's Department)
BHS Behavioral Health Services
BRU
Behavioral Response Unit
CAT
Crisis Assessment Team
CIT
Crisis Intervention Training
HOPE
Homeless Outreach and Proactive Engagement
IRC Intake Release Center
LASD Los Angeles Sheriff's Department
LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker
LD Learning Domain
NAMI OC National Alliance on Mental Illness — Orange County Chapter
OCCJCC Orange County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
OCGJ Orange County Grand Jury
OCHCA Orange County Health Care Agency
OCSD Orange County Sheriff's Department
PERT Psychiatric Emergency Response Team
POST Peace Officer Standards and Training
SB Senate Bill
SPA Service Planning Area )wFIDENTIAL
UCI University of California, Irvine
2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury Page 19
21-26
Law Enforcement's Response to Mental Health Calls for Service
APPENDIX
National Alliance on Mental Illness, Orange County (NAMI OC) Warm Line
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, it is essential to take
immediate action.
Why a "Warm Line" and not a "Hot Line?"
Imagine a pot left unattended and beginning to boil over --it requires
immediate intervention to prevent avoidable damage. Distress left
avoided for too long is similar to a boiling pot.
The Warm Line aims to be an accessible mental health resource people
can use for support before they've reached their boiling point. Our
research shows that immediate support will prevent crisis later.
The Warm Line aspires to bring authentic human connection to every
conversation. Because our counselors are peers with their own
experiences of mental health challenges, MHASF provides support from a
place of empathy, understanding, and constant hope for recovery.
Source- Warm Line - Mental Health Association of San Francisco mentalhealthsf.or
2023-2024
NAM(OC
Warm
7417 Mental Health Support
i oil Nee: (877) 910-9276
Text or Call Local (714) "1-6412
LivaChat at: namioc.crg
Email, wl@namioc olg
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(714) 991.6412
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Orange County Grand Jury
NAMIOC
Warmj
Apoyo de salud Mental 24/7
Llamada Gratuita. (877) 910-9276
Liamc o onvie mensaje. (714) 991�6412
Charon Vivo -riamiac,org
Correo Electronico: wl@namicc.olg
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NAMIOC
Wa r m�
2417 Z U-9 iibtc •' _Is+
(877)910.9276: ;wy vi17
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nomioc.org :,,j a i) oa}S c:
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Page 20
21-27
Attachment 6
Proposed Response
21-2s
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
11�4� poo v
)leek
cgciFoaN�P ,
Mayor
Will O'Neill
Mayor Pro Tern
Joe Stapleton
Council Members
Brad Avery
Noah Blom
Robyn Grant
Lauren Kleiman
Erik Kenneth Weigand
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, California 92660
949 644-3004 1 949 644-3039 FAX
newportbeachca.gov
July 23, 2024
Honorable Maria Hernandez
Presiding Judge
Superior Court of California, Orange County
700 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Re: Response to Grand Jury Report, "Law Enforcement's Response to Mental Health Calls
for Service"
Dear Honorable Judge Hernandez:
In accordance with Penal Code 933.05 (a) & (b), the City of Newport Beach and the
Newport Beach Police Department respond as follows in regard to "Findings" F1, F2, F3,
F4 and FS as detailed the 2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury report, "Law
Enforcement's Response to Mental Health Calls for Service."
FINDING
F1. Mental health training for law enforcement officers in Orange County exceeds the
State's requirements, resulting in law enforcement applying these skills to better
evaluate and handle mental health calls for service.
RESPONSE
The Newport Beach Police Department agrees with this finding as the department utilizes
formal and informal mental health training. Officers receive formal mental health training
while attending the police academy, and academy recruits receive 15 hours of training in
Learning Domain #37, People with Disabilities. Supervisors and Field Training Officers
are required to attend a Crisis Intervention and Behavioral Health Training course.
Mental health emergencies are taught in the Newport Beach Police Department's First
Aid Training curriculum so officers may identify those with potential mental illnesses in
the field. The Newport Beach Police Department also provides mental health and de-
escalation training as part of their annual Use of Force Perishable Skills Training.
BeWellOC (a contracted Mobile Response Team) regularly attends patrol briefings to
conduct training with patrol officers on the services they can offer the community. Some
of the topics covered are: Mental Health and Behavioral Crisis, Suicidal Ideations, and
Homelessness. The Homeless Liaison Officer and several members of the Peninsula
Enforcement Team have attended a Homeless Liaison Officer training course where they
learned about mental health care systems and how they can help unhoused individuals.
The Newport Beach Police Department has a Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) comprised of nine negotiators
and two sergeants. While this is an ancillary assignment, CNT members attend a 40-hour basic
negotiations course and the advanced negotiations course, which focuses in part on de-escalation
techniques and how to negotiate with individuals experiencing mental illness. CNT members respond
not only during critical incidents as part of their Crisis Response Unit (SWAT and CNT) but also regularly
request and respond to calls for service involving suicidal subjects and subjects experiencing mental
health crises.
FInIr)InIC-'
F2. Law enforcement agencies in Orange County have developed unique ways to deal with mental
health calls in their communities based on their particular needs and budgets, enabling law
enforcement to better serve their communities.
RFCD(1rXICF
The City of Newport Beach agrees with this finding as it budgets a Homeless Coordinator and several
mental health contracts. The Newport Beach Police Department recently contracted with PATH (People
Assisting the Homeless). PATH personnel are non -sworn caseworkers who work with the Police
Department's Homeless Liaison Officer and can assist our unhoused population with numerous
resources, including mental health resources. PATH is able to help individuals get to doctor appointments
and get mental health prescriptions and hospital intakes. They can utilize Care Coordination to help
individuals connect to medical and mental health resources. The Newport Beach Police Department is
also contracted with BeWellOC to assist with mental health services, resources, and calls for service.
BeWellOC can do psychiatric referrals, crisis stabilization unit referrals, sobering placement, and long-
term case management. BeWellOC regularly attends patrol briefings to conduct training with patrol
officers on the mental health services they can offer the community. PATH and BeWellOC work in
collaboration with the Homeless Liaison Officer to assist unhoused individuals who are struggling with
mental illness. Mental illness can often be a barrier to shelter and permanent housing.
FINDING
F3. Law enforcement collaboration with County PERT clinicians and Be Well mobile response units has
been an effective tool when responding to mental health calls for service.
RESPONSE
The Newport Beach Police Department agrees with this finding as it utilizes a PERT (Psychiatric Emergency
and Response Team) clinician who rides with Newport Beach Police Department patrol officers twice
weekly. PERT is an effective tool because it can respond quickly to any mental health calls for service.
Riding in the car alongside an officer allows PERT to respond quicker and faster than the County Crisis
Assessment Team (CAT). The CAT Team is utilized on a callout basis and can sometimes be delayed in their
response. BeWellOC can help both the housed and unhoused populations in Newport Beach with mental
health services. They can respond to calls for service, refer to crisis stabilization units, and help individuals
get psychiatric help and medications. BeWellOC can also help with long-term case management and
mental health treatment. Persons experiencing mental illness may also respond more positively to non -
law enforcement personnel. Having PERT and BeWellOC is an additional de-escalation tool for police
officers.
FINDING
F4. People with mental illness respond more positively to "soft uniformed" police personnel, which can
be effective in de-escalating situations.
RFCPnKIrIF
The Newport Beach Police Department agrees with this finding as their Homeless Liaison Officer and
Peninsula Enforcement Team officers wear a soft uniform with a polo shirt, bicycle pants, and tennis
shoes. The Homeless Liaison Officer drives an all -black, unmarked police vehicle that can be perceived as
less intimidating than a marked police vehicle. The CNT members wear a soft uniform, including a polo
shirt and BDU pants, which provide a less threatening appearance and make it easier to establish rapport
with individuals in crisis. BeWellOC and PATH both wear soft uniforms, including a polo shirt or t-shirt
with their respective logos. BeWellOC drives a marked blue van throughout the city and is easily
identifiable. PATH uses various vehicles with the PATH logo on the side of their cars. People with mental
illness will often prefer to speak with a non-sworn/civilian individual.
FInIn1nIC-'
F5. Providing follow-up case management is not only necessary but critical for the wellbeing of people
experiencing mental health issues.
RFCP(IrxICF
The Newport Beach Police Department agrees with this finding as their Homeless Liaison Officer works
closely with BeWellOC and PATH to focus on long-term mental health case management for unhoused
individuals. BeWellOC is a critical component of case management for the Newport Beach Police
Department. BeWellOC can help families of loved ones with mental illness get connected to the proper
treatment and support resources. They also make referrals to Adult Protective Services, eviction
prevention, and court -case navigation. Long-term case management is an essential factor in trying to help
those individuals with mental illness from becoming homeless. Case management can also help those
unhoused individuals with mental illness, who may be service resistant, become receptive to shelter and
housing options.
Should you or any members of the Grand Jury have questions about our response, please contact Police
Chief Joe Cartwright at jcartwright@nbpd.org or 949-644-3701.
Sincerely,
Will O'Neill
Mayor