Tampa Republic

The Tampa Police Department and the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay have introduced a new Crisis Intervention Dispatch Service Program. The initiative is designed to redirect calls from 911 involving behavioral health crises to specialized interventionists, thereby reducing unnecessary police involvement and connecting individuals with appropriate support resources.

When a call related to a behavioral health crisis is received, TPD dispatch staff can transfer it to an intervention specialist. These specialists engage with the caller, deescalate the situation, and provide connections to community resources.

To address the frequent occurrence of behavioral health-related 911 calls, intervention specialists from the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay are now stationed within the TPD dispatch center.

“We are delighted and honored to have launched this new initiative in Tampa! When someone is experiencing a behavioral health crisis, it’s vital to connect them to the support they need as quickly as possible. We’re so thankful to the Tampa Police Department for prioritizing behavioral health,” said Clara Reynolds, President & CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.

“This partnership with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is another way we are committed to supporting our community,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “The additional resources in our dispatch center are already having a positive impact in connecting those experiencing a behavioral health crisis with the resources they need.”

Community members experiencing thoughts of suicide or other crises can call 988 for help. For information about community resources, residents can dial 211. The 911 emergency services number remains available around-the-clock for immediate assistance from police, fire departments, or ambulances.