Mayor David Martin is pleased to announce important Public Safety mental health initiatives implemented by the Stamford Police Department and the Offices of Public Safety, Health and Welfare.

The new initiatives include a Police Mental Health Collaboration, a Mental Health Crisis Adaptive Patrol Response Program and the embedding of a Social Worker with the Stamford Police Department.

Mayor Martin stated, “Mental illness is a serious nationwide issue impacting every corner of society. Stamford is no exception. When a resident or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, it is often an extremely traumatic situation.  The goals of these initiatives are to improve the City of Stamford’s response to mental health calls, to increase the safety of all involved and to assist with the coordination of appropriate care and proper follow up.” 

1.    The Police Mental Health Collaboration is the first of its kind in the State. The collaboration is unique in that it partners the Stamford Police Department with service providers and advocates, for the improvement of mental health response and services.

2.    The Mental Health Crisis Adaptive Patrol Response Program has been developed by the Stamford Police Department and other City of Stamford Public Safety Offices - Stamford Emergency Medical Services (SEMS) and Stamford’s 911 Communications Center.

The restructuring and adaptive response has led to SEMS providers taking the lead while the Police assist in a support role, only when needed. The restructuring has produced a significant reduction in direct police involvement for people experiencing mental health crises.

The key to this initiative starts with 911 dispatchers identifying those callers experiencing a mental health crisis, are not a danger to others, and are only requesting medical assistance.  911 Dispatchers work with responders to coordinate the appropriate response.

Implementing this program in January of 2021 resulted in a reduction of more than 30% of police involvement in mental health calls.

3.    Social Worker Embedded within the Stamford Police

The City of Stamford has contracted with Recovery Network of Programs, Inc. (RNP) to embed a social worker within the Stamford Police Department for improved Mental Health Response. This is the first Public-Private partnership in the state dealing with mental health response.

The social worker, when safe and feasible, will respond along with the Police Officers to assist on scene. The social worker will conduct mental health assessments, coordination of care, referrals and assertive linkage for those individuals encountered who are experiencing a mental health crisis. The social worker will work with Stamford Hospital and other local community resources to assist with treatment and will conduct aftercare follow-up to ensure that the client has been stabilized and connected to care to reduce repetitive calls. 

“I have spoken with residents who have experienced mental health crisis in their life or the lives of loved ones. Each have expressed a sense of helplessness,” stated Ted Jankowski, the Director of Public Safety. “The Mental Health initiatives undertaken in the City of Stamford are unique in Connecticut and will provide improved services for those in crisis including coordinated care, professional referrals, assertive linkage, and follow up services.”

“Traditionally, Police would respond to all mental health crisis calls,” stated Police Chief Tim Shaw. “Sometimes, the mere presence of uniformed officers can exacerbate feelings of distress and escalate mental health-related situations. We are looking forward to working with the Recovery Network of Programs to bring about positive change.”