NYPD asked to use crisis teams for emotional distress calls

By KELLY FAY

Health providers and public officials are urging the New York City Council to pass a resolution to create Crisis Intervention Teams that would collaborate with the New York City Police Department to increase effectiveness when responding to emotional distress calls. Councilmember Albert Vann is currently drafting the resolution which has the support of a prominent Democrat in the state Senate.

The NYPD receives 100,000 calls a year related to an "emotionally disturbed person." According to the Communities for Crisis Intervention Teams in New York City — a coalition of health providers and concerned citizens leading the campaign — these calls often result in unwarranted arrest, emotional and physical abuse and even death. Creation of Crisis Intervention Teams would give police specialized training and provide mental health professionals to deal with emotional distress calls.

Supporters gathered late last month outside City Hall in New York City to show support for the endeavor and hear support from advocacy groups, city council members and individuals who have been affected by unfortunate results of emotional distress calls.

Carla Rabinowitz is the community organizer for Community Access, a member of the coalition that helps people with psychiatric disabilities transition to independent living.

Read more at http://www.legislativegazette.com/Articles-Top-Stories-c-2013-10-21-85527.113122-NYPD-asked-to-use-crisis-teams-for-emotional-distress-calls.html