Whittier police launch mental evaluation team

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WHITTIER >> A new mental evaluation team dedicated to dealing with community members with mental health issues has taken to the streets of Whittier and Santa Fe Springs, officials said.
The Whittier Mental Evaluation Team, comprised of one sworn police officer and once licensed clinician, began operating on Sept. 20, Whittier police officials said in a written statement.
The team was formed in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, “ to address the growing need for mental health services in our community,” according to the statement.
“This cooperative effort revolves around a co-response model that includes a licensed clinical social worker — provided by the LACDMH — and a sworn police officer provided by the Whittier Police Department to aid our patrol officers in handling calls for service involving persons who may be suffering from a mental health crisis or be in need of social services as well as building cooperative relationships with other service providers in the Whittier area,” according to the statement.
The team is currently made up of Officer Devin McClure and DMH Clinician Geraldine “Geri” Zuniga.
They patrol on weekdays, but can be called upon to assist at other times as well, Lt. Bryan Ellis said. In the month that they’ve been on-duty, the team has been “very active,” he added.
In addition to responding to “critical in-progress” incidents, the team will also work to address other mental health-related issues such as homeless outreach.
“Additionally, WMET will provide extensive follow up and case management for individuals with chronic mental illness, substance abuse, and homelessness,” according to the statement. “ By addressing these concerns on a regular basis, WMET can help to alleviate the burden placed on patrol resources and provide expert assistance to those in need.”

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