Tag crisis response
Marion County to revive police crisis response team it disbanded in March
Marion County disbanded its police crisis response team earlier this year as public funding shifted toward civilian response to people in crisis. But with new federal money, the county is now reviving one team of a sheriff’s deputy and a mental health worker.
New Marion County team resolving crisis calls, but numbers remain low
A new civilian Marion County team has resolved nearly all crisis incidents they’ve been called to without police. But officials say more public awareness and an improved system would allow them to help more people.
Woman’s suicide after repeated 911 calls reveals gaps in Bend’s lauded crisis response system
Editor’s note: This story contains descriptions of suicide. At first, the police officer stepping into Pamela Antoni’s empty one-bedroom apartment observed nothing out of the ordinary. The air was cool and smelled fresh. Clothes hung in the shower and a packed bag sat on the…
Salem police cutting downtown, behavioral health teams
Salem police will be less able to respond to downtown nuisances and people in behavioral health crisis after disbanding two units on Jan. 1, 2025. Police Chief Trevor Womack says his staffing hasn’t kept up with rising service demand.
Marion County to create mobile crisis teams separate from police
The county will use state money to staff four teams of mental health workers to respond to lower-risk crisis calls around the county, including in Salem city limits. County officials say that could take up to six months or more.