4 months ago
It’s one of the toughest calls for law enforcement, dealing with an individual having a mental health crisis.On Tuesday, Greensboro Community Safety leaders shared how the Behavioral Health Response Team or BHeart for short is changing the mindset of policing.During a statewide community safety summit— city leaders including police chief John Thompson—shared the challenges and successes of the program.B-Heart started five years ago when community safety leaders were looking for an alternative response to handling mental health situations.A team that consists of a crisis counselor, community paramedic and a specially trained officer will assist a person in need.Greensboro Police Chief John Thompson has seen the success of the program from families who have reached out when a loved one was in crisis.But—Thompson says there was a learning curve for both his officers and the community who only see officers as law enforcers.Chief Thompson said, “as a leader at the time, it was challenging. I think we're in a much better place. I think our culture has changed. I think if you were to go out here and talk to any officer that you would interact with, they would speak of, how positive the BHeart team is and how much good that they're doing in the community."Right now the program operates from 6 am to midnight Monday through Friday but the goal is make it 24 hours a day. In Greensboro, I’m Chris Petersen WXII twelve news.
GREENSBORO, N.C. —
It’s one of the toughest calls for law enforcement, dealing with an individual having a mental health crisis.
On Tuesday, Greensboro Community Safety leaders shared how the Behavioral Health Response Team or BHeart for short is changing the mindset of policing.
During a statewide community safety summit— city leaders including police chief John Thompson—shared the challenges and successes of the program.
B-Heart started five years ago when community safety leaders were looking for an alternative response to handling mental health situations.
A team that consists of a crisis counselor, community paramedic and a specially trained officer will assist a person in need.
Greensboro Police Chief John Thompson has seen the success of the program from families who have reached out when a loved one was in crisis.
But—Thompson says there was a learning curve for both his officers and the community who only see officers as law enforcers.
Chief Thompson said, “as a leader at the time, it was challenging. I think we're in a much better place. I think our culture has changed. I think if you were to go out here and talk to any officer that you would interact with, they would speak of, how positive the BHeart team is and how much good that they're doing in the community."
Right now the program operates from 6 am to midnight Monday through Friday but the goal is make it 24 hours a day. In Greensboro, I’m Chris Petersen WXII twelve news.
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