Connect and Protect:
LAPD and High-Frequency Utilizers
Project Description
JSS works closely with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) to assist individuals who are experiencing mental health crises. With funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) JSS acts as a research partner to evaluate the program's effectiveness.
Purpose of the Project
The LAPD’s Mental Evaluation Unit (MEU) and LACDMH have developed various programs to handle calls involving adults and/or juveniles experiencing mental health crises. The Case Assessment Management Program (CAMP) is a subunit developed by the MEU. CAMP pairs mental-services-trained LAPD investigators with county clinicians to conduct case management. These teams respond to individuals in need, reduce violence, and reduce repeat encounters involving emergency first responders. CAMP advocates for mandatory mental health treatment or mental health diversion as an alternative to incarceration.
With grant funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, CAMP implements a program that will benefit a subset of individuals identified as high-frequency utilizers (HFUs). HFUs are individuals with a mental health history or a combination of mental health history and substance use disorders, who often call 9-1-1 for services. To assist HFUs, CAMP members reach out to them and offer treatment services that could lead to fewer calls and improvements in their well-being. JSS will evaluate the effectiveness of the program.