Ahh, I see. I wonder if any of the four deaths listed in the original article had PACER clinicians out with them on those calls. That would give us a clear indication if the programme is having a real effect during serious mental health episodes. The significant reduction in arrests is pretty promising.

It seems as though the Police brass understand that Police only escalate mental health crises and they don’t want that responsibility anymore, but sadly the fact remains that first responders to a mental health episode need to be able to be defended from violent behaviour. Maybe we could look at a plain-clothes officer who has concealed weaponry to attend with mental health clinicians to keep them safe, and only intervene when violence occurs.