In a significant turn for emergency response in Oklahoma City, figures released by the city highlight a 57% drop in mental health-related calls requiring police attendance. Over just 13 months, dispatches fell from 1,292 in October last year to 549 this October, marking a change in how Oklahoma City deals with mental health crises.
"It is encouraging to see such a significant reduction in OKCPD officers being dispatched to mental health-related calls," Oklahoma City Police Chief Ron Bacy remarked on the City of Oklahoma City website, attributing this decrease to cooperative efforts among 911 staff, police officers, and community partners. These stakeholders are redirecting those experiencing crises to appropriate resources, a shift supported by a web of new programs and services.
The City of Oklahoma City reports that the introduction of the 988 Lifeline, launched in July 2022, has been instrumental in this shift. The helpline connects individuals facing urgent mental health issues with crisis specialists, reducing the burden on law enforcement and connecting people to the right form of support more directly.
"The 988 Lifeline has become a vital resource for people in distress," Commissioner Allie Friesen of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) stated, underscoring the statewide commitment to improving mental health crisis response. In an example of durable progress, OKCPD has seen a collaborative reshaping of how they handle crises. During the same period, calls to 988 surged by 79% in Oklahoma County alone, according to The City of Oklahoma City data.
Heather Helberg, CEO of Hope Community Services, highlighted the collaboration among community resources like Urgent Recovery Centers and Mobile Crisis teams, both working in tandem with law enforcement. "Oklahoma City has developed numerous crisis resources over the past several years, so it’s no surprise 911 calls are down," Helberg told the City of Oklahoma City. These initiatives are part of ongoing efforts to enhance the community's approach to mental health emergencies.
