Photo provided Deputy Ryan Smith, left, and Sgt. Andrew Whipker, right, are shown with iPads to be used for help on calls involving individuals in a mental health crisis, provided in a partnership with Stride, represented by Melissa Helm.
The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with Stride,a 24/7 crisis center, to provide a more immediate response for those suffering from a mental health issue.
Stride is providing deputies with iPads that will immediately connect those in crisis to mental health professionals while law enforcement is on the scene. Law enforcement and other first responders are often the first call made when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, especially if the person is a danger to himself or herself, or others.
The iPads provide an additional tool for law enforcement officers to use in mental health-related calls. When appropriate, those experiencing a crisis can immediately connect with a mental health professional via Zoom. This immediate connection can aid in de-escalating the person in crisis and provide them with immediate follow-up services.
Sgt. Andrew Whipker, co-coordinator for the Bartholomew County Crisis Intervention Team, said the goal for this program is to connect those in crisis with the resources they need and reduce the number of mental health-related calls where deputies respond to the scene.
“If we can invest the time up front getting a person in crisis connected to the resources they need, it will hopefully reduce the number of calls to 911, the number of manpower hours spent responding to mental health related calls and hospitalizations,” Whipker said.
Bartholomew County Sheriff Chris Lane said mental health continues to be a main concern for the department.
“Every day my deputies respond to those in need of mental health services and often in some sort of mental health crisis. Resources like these tablets are another great tool for law enforcement to assist those in need of services. My office will continue to seek out partnerships and resources in order to assist those in getting treatment when in need,” he said.
Melissa Helm, director of crisis services with Stride, said the sheriff’s office had been “fantastic partners” and are committed to ensuring individuals in crisis have access to mental health and addiction recovery services.
”They have partnered with the Stride Center and Stride mobile since we started planning,” she said.
”We know that having immediate access to our mobile staff through the tablets will allow for greater opportunities to connect immediately with individuals in need and hopefully provide support to law enforcement to help encourage individuals to get connected to care,” she said.
