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CBS News
7 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
Sacramento County Sheriff's Office faces more questions on mental health policy
SACRAMENTO -- The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office is facing more scrutiny and tough questions regarding its controversial decision not to respond to mental health calls if there is no crime being committed. The Sacramento County Sheriff Review Commission took those questions to the sheriff's office on Tuesday for the first public discussion on the matter since the policy was announced, where both the commission and a sheriff's office representative were present. The commission does not have policy power but acts as a watchdog group over the sheriff's office and can make recommendations. Ahead of the meeting, the commission submitted questions to the sheriff's office for review and discussed the list at length, asking questions about the policy impacts over the last five months. Sacramento County Undersheriff Mike Ziegler represented the department in front of the commission and provided insights on how the policy change has played out by the numbers. Since February, there have been 884 mental health calls. In 410, the sheriff's office did not respond; 286 calls were transferred to WellSpace Health, fire, or other mental health professionals; and in the remaining 188 calls, Ziegler said callers did not want service or specifically requested the sheriff's office, which Ziegler said can be a "red flag" and can signal the caller is attempting to harm responding deputies. "We haven't had one person call and then have them call back later and say that person committed suicide. Not one," Ziegler said. Commissioner questions ranged from requesting more data about mental health calls to the policy's impact on other agencies. "The big issue for the commission is how they handle ones where there's potential for violence and danger. This is both for the sheriff's office that is responding, and for me as well, first responders, fire department or county mental health response teams," said Paul Curtis, chair of the sheriff's commission. In a statement to CBS Sacramento, Captain Mark Nunez with the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District said they have not had any injuries due to behavioral health calls, but, in rare cases, if there is not a law enforcement presence, they will not be able to make contact with the patient. Nunez said: "While our crews remain committed to providing care, it's important to note that in rare cases, the absence of law enforcement may prevent our responders from safely making patient contact. In these situations, our personnel are trusted to make informed, real-time decisions that prioritize the safety of both the public and our responders. As a result of this careful and situational approach, Metro Fire has not incurred any injuries to first responders in relation to behavioral health calls. Metro Fire is also actively engaged in ongoing regional discussions with law enforcement and behavioral health partners to develop long-term, sustainable solutions that ensure both community safety and access to care." Ziegler told the commission that the sheriff's office is open to improving the policy, where there are improvements to be made. "From a law enforcement perspective, it is all positive," he said. By June 30, the commission will have final recommendations.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Sacramento County approves 30-year lease for new mental health facility
( — The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors approved a significant step in creating a new Mental Health Rehabilitation Center for adults on Tuesday. According to a statement from Sacramento County, the board authorized a 30-year lease agreement and sublease with WellSpace Health for a new facility at 6790 Stockton Boulevard. The lease is scheduled to run from Jan. 1, 2027, to Dec. 31, 2056. Motorcycle crash in Elk Grove disrupts traffic The proposed facility is about 24,700 square feet, with the completion date of completing being Dec. 2026, said authorities. The building is set to have a 32-bed, 24-hour residential program that is designed for individuals 18 years or older living with mental disorders. Officials said the program will provide intensive support and rehabilitative services to help the residents gain skills to become self-sufficient and develop skills to increase and reintegrate back into society. WellSpace Health, a nonprofit organization, has partnered with Sacramento County to manage the facility to ensure it provides the best care for those who need it, authorities said. Authorities said the $23.57 million that is needed for the MHRC will come from round three of the State of California's Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program grant. Officials also said that Sacramento County will provide a required grant that matches $1.98 million, which will come from the County's Patient Care Revenue, with the possibility of $1.5 million to overrun funding. 'The new facility is an essential part of the County's commitment to improving mental health services and addressing the growing need for mental health care across the region, said a spokesperson from Sacramento County. 'By providing a stable and supportive living environment for individuals in recovery, the County is helping to break down barriers to mental health treatment and support.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
