CCMIN 11162021 - Laserfiche WebLink

In response to Councilmember Narum, Chief Swing stated criteria for the success of the pilot program would be a reduction in the number of 5150 holds in general and reducing the number of 5585 holds specifically in schools. The focus of the juvenile intervention clinician will be to drive the latter number down. Another goal would be reducing the number of PPD patrol responses to mental health calls. In response to Councilmember Narum, Chief Swing confirmed they are following San Diego's PERT model. He noted Pleasanton has far less need for homeless response than San Diego which will allow the team to do other types of work and interventions. In response to Councilmember Narum, Chief Swing clarified Axis Community Health's contributions will be through case management follow-up and utilization of its existing Mental Health Urgent Care Clinic. He agreed a criterion for success would be getting people into these programs through referrals from the alternative response team. In response to Mayor Brown, Chief Swing agreed the number of calls may initially increase because some people did not previously call the PPD for mental health support. He added it is the chronic return calls where they expect a decrease. Mayor Brown opened the public hearing. Jocelyn Combs thanked City Manager Fialho for his steady hand in guiding the City. She thanked all those who worked on the proposal which she stated is reasonable and well -thought-out. She reported she has first-hand experience with this issue due to a suicidal family member calling PPD. She stated the many PPD and LPFD vehicles arriving with their sirens on were almost as traumatic as the suicide attempt and lauded the plain -clothes component of the proposal. She expressed concerns about what would happen if a clinician is unavailable. She thanked the attention being given to family members. She requested a 12 -month update instead of 24 months. She thanked the Council for addressing the LPFD element of the program. In response to Ms. Combs's inquiries, Chief Swing confirmed the program's updates can be included in the PPD's bi-annual updates to the Council. He stated if the team is not in-service outside of its hours the response would be the same as it is today. In response to Councilmember Balch, Chief Swing confirmed through regular briefings and shared experiences, the PPD officers not involved in the crisis response team would learn more about properly handling these situations. In response to Councilmember Testa, Chief Swing reported the role of the police officer in the mental health response is having the ability to legally write a 5150 hold if needed. He added paramedics and the LPFD do not have this authority and it is why there is a licensed clinician embedded with firefighters and paramedics in the CATT and CAHOOTS models. John Bauer stated this pilot program is a step in the right direction and the key will be to refine the program. He expressed hopes the PPD will review each encounter for evaluation. He asked how the program will address those who are not deemed to be a threat to themselves or others. He also called for the program to include a mental health first aid going to public -facing businesses to train employees on how to handle patrons in mental crisis. He reported from experience ValleyCare refers mental health patients out to other hospitals for not having anyone on staff with psychiatric training and the closest hospital with mental health services is John Muir Medical Center in Concord. He expressed hopes for the program's success. In response to Mr. Bauer, Chief Swing confirmed the criteria for evaluating whether someone needs to be placed on a mental health hold is if they are a danger to themselves or others or gravely disabled. City Council Minutes Page 7 of 19 November 16, 2021