Regina police, Mobile Crisis Services team up on new call-transfer protocol

The Regina Police Service and Regina Mobile Crisis Services have taken another step to help people who are having a mental health crisis.

In a program that started Dec. 1, the organizations have started a new call-transfer protocol that will help connect people who are in need of help with the proper resources.

According to police, the protocol identifies calls to 911 or 777-6500 that should be transferred to a crisis worker with Mobile Crisis Services.

“It is important to note that not every call will be suitable for transfer to Mobile Crisis,” the police said in a media release. “This protocol is not meant to replace existing Police, EMS or Fire Services response; instead, it is meant to add a layer of intervention, where appropriate.

“An example would be a person who is having thoughts of suicide, but has not yet caused self-harm, and is asking for help.”

Operators at the police communication centre have been trained and given criteria to make sure callers get the proper help. The operator determines if the caller is the person in crisis, and the caller must agree to speak with a crisis worker rather than have police officers and/or paramedics attend.

The person who takes the call also must make sure other circumstances are met for assistance, including that there aren’t any weapons present, that there isn’t a need for medical attention, and that the situation isn’t a domestic dispute.

“If the call-taker determines that the appropriate response is Police, EMS or Fire, the call will not be transferred to Mobile Crisis Services,” the release said. “If the call fits the criteria to be handled by Mobile Crisis Services, then the call transfer occurs, with safeguards to ensure the caller gets assistance, without having to call back.”

The Mobile Crisis Services worker then will give the caller support in the area they need, whether it’s marital/family, loss or bereavement, sexual concerns, relationships, job loss/employment, anxiety and depression, coping, anger, or thoughts of self-harm and suicide.