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.
Field observations recorded as contact notes provide the most predictive data for future calls for service, behavioral health crises, and public safety risks. Whether robustly collected at an initial contact or compiled across repeated interactions, field-contact notes offer critical details for harm reduction, de-escalation, diversion, referral, and case planning.
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We asked CIT Coalition members, including police officers, peers, health providers, and administrators, about the services they need right now to do the job. 65% noted that technology and training assessment services were among the highest priorities. Programs are looking for ways to better document, verify and report the work they're doing.
Tracking the law enforcement response to mental health crises using standardized data fields is crucial improve the hidden costs associated with crisis and in supporting transformative research and evaluation of the effectiveness of interventions. Robust methods for measuring and monitoring law enforcement response often involve a combination of data collected in response to 9-1-1 calls for service, specialized field-based performance tracking, and program evaluation. General industry guidance emphasizes the importance of maintaining clearly defined and standardized data collection protocol.
