A new Police and Crisis Team (PACT) has been created in Prince Albert to improve police responses to mental health related calls.
The initiative was launched this morning and pairs mental health professionals with law enforcement to provide better support.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority, the Prince Albert Police Service and the provincial government are all working together on this initiative.
“The Indigenous health system works alongside us so if that is the right place to refer people, then we will definitely work with our Indigenous partners,” said Saskatchewan Health Authority Integrated Northern Health Vice-President Andrew McLetchie. “We are excited about our partnership with the Prince Albert Police Service. Having front-line staff available to provide support in the moment will most importantly benefit the individuals in need.”
The Police and Crisis Team started operating in Prince Albert earlier this month.
“As of this September, Prince Albert Police Service has committed two experienced police officers to PACT to work collectively with two mental health professionals,” Prince Albert Police Chief Jon Bergen said. “As observed in other areas, PACT initiatives deliver a special response to a complicated situation with successful outcomes. The existing PACT initiatives have demonstrated that they provide real time front-line resources to people in need while diverting and reducing emergency room visits and wait times that would have otherwise fell on general police members. Specialized staff from both police and health will ensure we connect people in crisis with the right resources, in the time of need, all while ensuring efficiencies for patients and partners are achieved.”
$980,000 is being invested by the province to launch Police and Crisis Teams in Prince Albert, North Battleford, Yorkton and Moose Jaw in 2018-19.
“PACT units are a good example of how police and health can work together to ensure that people who are experiencing a mental health crisis get appropriate help,” Corrections and Policing Minister Christine Tell said. “This benefits not only the person in crisis, but communities overall.”
(PHOTO: Prince Albert Police Chief Jon Bergen at today’s Police and Crisis Team announcement. Photo by Brendan Mayer)