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Mental Health Workers to Assist in Calls: NRP

Monday, 29 April 2024 13:01

By Geoff Waterfield

Police services board endorsed idea, that's working in Toronto and Ottawa

Niagara Regional police moving forward with a plan to send mental health care workers to certain 911calls, instead of police only.

The police services board endorsed a plan by the Niagara Region, for cases that can be resolved without police intervention.

This has worked in Toronto and Ottawa.

Board member Laura Ip. "The local action table, which includes the Chiefs of Police, and EMS, has recommended Niagara look at doing the same. Having the endorsement of the police services board will undoubtedly be helpful in any requests for funding."

In 2022, the City of Toronto recorded 78% of calls to 911 were successfully resolved using this approach.

Chief Bill Fordy also supports the idea.

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