Caption: A 2022 review of mental health-related calls for service (CFS) in a rural Virginia region, reveals a 10% increase in call volume over three years, with the sharpest growth (47.6%) in rural townships. The review highlights the need for comprehensive local data systems mapping, noting that over 30% of mental health crisis calls were not reported in call type search.
Law enforcement agencies are increasingly seeking evidence-based alternatives to costly incarceration and hospitalization outcomes. As part of this shift, many departments are turning to deflection programs to intervene earlier and connect individuals to supportive services.
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When communities adopt a coordinated data collection plan across Sequential Intercepts, they gain essential insights on community need and service efficiency. Yet, many communities lack the data infrastructure needed to track progress, monitor implementation, and inform ongoing decision-making. Without dedicated data infrastructure, practitioners often find themselves asking a familiar question after the mapping process concludes: “What’s next?”
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There is a significant gap in real-world evidence (RWE) supporting the effectiveness of many public sector and community-based programs. As a result, critical frontline initiatives often lag in building a data-driven evidence base. To fully realize the benefits of real-world evidence, agencies must prioritize end-to-end compliance and ethical data management.
