New Rochelle Police Announce Launch of the Mobile Crisis Response Team

Written By: Robert Cox

NEW ROCHELLE, NY (August 8, 2020) — The New Rochelle Police Department is launching a Mobile Crisis Response Team.

Why it matters: People experiencing a mental health emergency require quick access to effective mental health care but about 2 million times a year people with mental illness are booked into jails across the United States, often because communities rely on law enforcement to respond to mental health crises.

“The goal of our department is to provide the best service for our community,” said Police Commissioner Robert Gazzola, “and we recognize there are instances where perhaps a Law Enforcement response is not the best option for a person in mental crisis. This partnership will help an individual in distress get the help they need and ensure the safest possible outcome.”

  • Comprised of mental health professionals from the Guidance Center of New Rochelle
  • Mental health professionals will respond along with or in lieu of police officers to calls of people in mental crisis
  • New Rochelle Police Dispatchers, Supervisors and Police Officers are trained to assess risk level and determine whether a particular call may require a mental health professional to accompany police on a call
  • A coordinated approach will also address follow-up and connection with related resources such as care coordination, treatment, and community services like housing and health care
  • Part of the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health Services – Project Alliance

Go deeper: Mobile Crisis Teams: Providing an Alternative to Law Enforcement for Mental Health Crises