The intersection of mental health crises and criminal justice systems presents one of the most complex challenges in modern public health and safety. In Deschutes County, Oregon, this challenge has been met with a multifaceted approach involving law enforcement, behavioral health agencies, and community resources. The region has developed a robust framework centered on the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), a Stabilization Center, and collaborative inter-agency protocols designed to divert individuals with mental illness from the criminal justice system and provide immediate, compassionate care. This integrated model addresses the high volume of mental health-related police calls, the strain on jail facilities, and the critical need for rapid de-escalation and treatment access. By examining the specific mechanisms, historical data, and operational structures in place, one can understand how Deschutes County has attempted to solve the systemic issue of mental health crises within a rural and semi-urban setting.
The Scope of the Crisis: Statistical Realities and Systemic Strain
The necessity for a dedicated crisis intervention system in Deschutes County is grounded in stark statistical realities regarding the frequency and nature of mental health emergencies. In 2011, local law enforcement agencies responded to more than 1,000 calls involving allegedly mentally ill subjects or police officer holds, a procedure where an officer takes an individual to a medical or behavioral health facility. Beyond these direct interactions, police departments collectively responded to over 500 reports flagged specifically as mental health-related. Analysis of these reports reveals a deeply concerning trend: 71 percent of the individuals involved were flagged as suicidal. This high percentage underscores the acute nature of the crises being faced by first responders.
The volume of interactions creates a significant burden on the criminal justice system. In 2012, the Bend Police Department alone responded to 891 mental health calls. The Deschutes County Jail (DCJ) data further illustrates the strain on incarceration facilities. Personnel at the DCJ estimate that approximately 25 to 30 percent of the inmate population is currently prescribed psychotropic medications, indicating a high prevalence of diagnosed mental health conditions within the prison population. In 2012, the DCJ reported 66 emergency room visits for inmates requiring medical or behavioral health treatment, with 46 inmates placed on behavioral health observation due to threats of self-harm, and 119 total calls for mental health evaluations.
The consequences of this volume are severe. When mental health services are unavailable or when an individual fails to respond to police requests for voluntary help, officers are often forced to make arrests. This leads to a cycle of incarceration and recidivism. Locally, offenders with mental health problems suffer recidivism rates greater than 70 percent, meaning two out of three individuals will re-offend within a three-year period. This cycle not only endangers the individuals but also exhausts law enforcement resources. Officers face long wait times in emergency departments while awaiting evaluation, which pulls patrol officers off the streets, rendering them unavailable for other critical calls. The increased number of arrests has stressed the county jail facility to the point where, in 2012, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office established a contract with nearby Jefferson County to rent additional beds due to overcrowding and an inability to transfer inmates to the work center.
The Crisis Intervention Team: A Collaborative Framework
To address these systemic failures, Deschutes County established the Deschutes County Crisis Intervention Team (CIT). This initiative was a joint effort by Charles Medical Center, Deschutes County Behavioral Health, the Bend Police Department, Deschutes County Adult Parole and Probation, the Redmond Police Department, and the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office. The core of this initiative is a 40-hour CIT training program for county law enforcement, modeled after the Memphis CIT program. This training is designed to equip officers with the skills necessary to recognize mental illness, de-escalate volatile situations, and connect individuals with appropriate treatment rather than incarceration.
The development of the CIT program was supported by significant administrative and financial backing. In 2012, the CIT steering committee received a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) GAINS Center for Behavioral Health and Justice Transformation. This funding facilitated a Sequential Intercept Mapping (SIM) workshop, led by Policy Research Associates, Inc. The purpose of this workshop was to help the community visualize the criminal justice system, identify limitations in service delivery, and pinpoint gaps in the process of diverting people with mental illness from the justice system. Following this analysis, the committee secured federal grant funds to hire a full-time CIT coordinator, ensuring the program had dedicated leadership and administrative support.
The success of the CIT program relies heavily on inter-agency cooperation. The steering committee included representatives from major health and law enforcement entities, fostering a shared understanding of roles and responsibilities. A key component of the CIT philosophy is the recognition that the end goal for all agency members is improved services and outcomes for people suffering from mental illness. This shared vision has been instrumental in building trust and respect among community partners. Team building exercises and joint conference attendance have further strengthened these relationships, moving away from the previously strained communication between police and mental health agencies.
Specialized Response Mechanisms and Community Support
Building upon the foundation of the general CIT training, specific operational enhancements have been implemented to improve real-time crisis response. The City of Bend Police Department created a specialized Community Response Team. This unit consists of three officers who have received not only the standard 40-hour CIT training but also additional, specialized instruction in mental health systems and verbal de-escalation skills.
The operational model of the Community Response Team is distinct from standard patrol duties. When the team is not responding to active crisis calls, the officers dedicate their time to follow-up work. This involves contacting prior subjects of mental health calls and providing resources to the individuals and their family members. This proactive approach aims to reduce repeated contacts between subjects and police departments. The expanded list of resources available to officers has been shown to reduce the frequency of police interactions with the same individuals, thereby alleviating the strain on law enforcement and providing continuity of care for the affected families.
The governance and support for these initiatives are robust. County Commissioners and City Council Members have provided strong political support, allowing departments under their supervision to authorize staff to dedicate time to these solutions. The Deschutes County Attorney supports the local training efforts and presents on liability and laws surrounding mental health issues during CIT training sessions. This legal backing ensures that officers understand the legal boundaries and protections associated with mental health interventions.
The Stabilization Center: A Critical Hub for Care
A pivotal component of the Deschutes County mental health infrastructure is the Deschutes County Stabilization Center. Located at 6331 Jamison Street in Bend, Oregon, this facility operates 24 hours a day, providing a critical alternative to hospital emergency rooms and jail cells for individuals in acute crisis. The center serves as a safe environment for stabilization, assessment, and connection to long-term care.
The center is integrated with the broader health services network of Deschutes County. It operates under the umbrella of the county's public health and behavioral health departments, ensuring a streamlined referral process. The facility provides a non-punitive environment where individuals can receive immediate care without the trauma of arrest or the long wait times often experienced in emergency departments.
Resource Accessibility and Communication Channels
Accessibility to mental health resources is a cornerstone of the Deschutes County crisis model. The Early Assessment and Support Alliance (EASA) serves as a primary point of contact for individuals and families in crisis. For immediate assistance, the Early Assessment and Support Alliance can be reached via their 24-hour crisis line.
The following table outlines the key contact points and operational details for the mental health and law enforcement resources available in Deschutes County:
| Resource Entity | Contact Type | Phone Number | Operational Hours | Location/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stabilization Center | Non-Emergency | (541) 585-7210 | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM | 6331 Jamison St, Bend, OR 97703 |
| Stabilization Center | 24hr Crisis Line | (541) 322-7500 ext. 9 | 24 Hours | |
| Public Health | General Contact | (541) 322-7400 | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Deschutes County Health Dept |
| Behavioral Health | General Contact | (541) 322-7500 | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Deschutes County Health Dept |
| Environmental Health | General Contact | (541) 317-3114 | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Deschutes County Health Dept |
| Early Assessment and Support Alliance (EASA) | Crisis Support | Call EASA | 24 Hours | Serves Deschutes, Crook & Jefferson Counties |
In addition to voice communication, the health services provide fax options for secure document transmission. The Behavioral Health department utilizes fax line (541) 322-7565, while Public Health uses (541) 322-7465. A secure fax line for records is also available at (541) 322-7567. To ensure inclusivity, telephone and video interpretation services are available for non-English speakers.
Lessons Learned and Future Directions
The evolution of the mental health crisis response in Deschutes County offers valuable lessons for other communities. The primary lesson learned is the critical importance of team building among diverse agencies. Education regarding the specific capabilities of each agency and a shared commitment to better outcomes have been the driving forces behind the increased trust and effective working relationships.
The data indicates that prior to these interventions, communication between police and mental health agencies was strained, with neither party having a clear understanding of the other's role. The implementation of the CIT program and the Stabilization Center has begun to repair these fractures. The community has recognized a long-standing need for this training and a strong desire to work together to save lives in crisis situations.
The effectiveness of the program is measured not just by the reduction in arrests, but by the reduction in recidivism and the improvement in the quality of life for individuals with mental illness. The 70 percent recidivism rate for offenders with mental health issues highlights the urgency of continuing to refine these diversion strategies. The goal is to break the cycle of arrest, incarceration, and re-offending by providing immediate, appropriate care at the point of crisis.
The integration of law enforcement, medical facilities, and community support creates a safety net. When an individual is in crisis, the system is designed to intercept them at various points—on the street, in the jail, in the hospital, or at home—ensuring they are directed toward treatment rather than punishment. The involvement of the County Attorney in training ensures that these interventions are legally sound and ethically grounded.
Conclusion
Deschutes County's approach to mental health crises represents a comprehensive, multi-agency strategy that addresses the complex intersection of public safety and public health. By establishing the Crisis Intervention Team, creating a dedicated Stabilization Center, and fostering deep collaboration between law enforcement and behavioral health providers, the community has made significant strides in mitigating the risks associated with mental health emergencies. The statistical reality of high volumes of police calls, high rates of suicide risk, and significant jail overcrowding necessitates this level of coordination.
The success of this model lies in its ability to shift the paradigm from incarceration to care. The data suggests that without such interventions, the cycle of arrest and re-offending continues unabated. The presence of a 24-hour Stabilization Center and a specialized Community Response Team provides a critical alternative to the traditional criminal justice response. As the community continues to refine these protocols, the focus remains on saving lives, reducing the burden on law enforcement, and providing sustainable mental health support for the residents of Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties. The collaborative spirit, supported by federal grants and local political will, serves as a blueprint for how rural and semi-urban communities can effectively manage mental health crises.