Georgetown Police Department adds mental health clinician to patrols

GEORGETOWN, Del. – For the next couple of months, there’s a new sheriff in Georgetown, who’s goal is to teach these officers how to better respond to those struggling with a mental health or substance use disorder.

“I think it’s extremely crucial to get the person in crisis then help they need right there when they need it,” said mental health clinician Michelle Robinson.

For Robinson, this isn’t her first rodeo. For the past couple of weeks Robinson has been responding to calls with officers to offer an *alternative* to arresting a person in crisis.

“Whether it’s getting them into housing, getting them into treatment, doing the behavioral health assessment. Sometimes if they’re having a mental health crisis and just finding out what the person needs,” said said.

The joint effort is part of the Connections Community Support Program. And officials say the treatment offered through it is more effective and less expensive than having them locked behind bars.

“If we can treat it at the root cause, the addiction, then it stands to reason that we can start to lower some of the other crimes that are out there,” said Georgetown Police Chief R.L. Hughes.

And the program’s already seeing success so far.

“Already, the few weeks I’ve been here I have helped a homeless gentleman who also had substance abuse issues get into some secure housing. And addressed issues I have assessed a gentleman who was in a mental health crisis and got him the help he needed at a local hospital,” said Robinson.

Officers add that by using the tools they’ve been given, to make a lasting impact on the community they serve.

“The most important piece about this is perhaps, we can save a life,” said Hughes.

Because this is a pilot program, Chief Hughes tells 47 they’ll only have the mental health clinician on hand until the end of April. But he adds that if all goes well and they find additional funding for the program, they hope to bring this service back to Sussex County very soon. Officials say so far this program has been offered to police departments in both New Castle and Kent County. Program administrators add that if you’re interested in bringing this service to your area you can head to the Connections Community Support Programs website at here.