City Manager Mayor Valerie Amezcua Alvaro Nuñez*

Mental health training for law enforcement officer in Orange County exceeds the State's requirements, resulting in law enforcement applying these skills to better evaluate and handle mental health calls for service The City of Santa Ana agrees with this finding. The City of Santa Ana Police Department fields a Quality of Life Team (QOLT), which specializes in engaging with unhoused individuals and those suffering from mental health issues. QOLT works in partnership with local, county, and state entities to provide services that are generally outside the scope of law enforcement practice. QOLT officers have specialized training to aid them in accomplishing their specialized duties.

Law enforcement agencies in Orange County have developed unique ways to deal with mental health calls in their communities based on their particular needs and budgets, enabling law enforcement to better serve their communities. The City of Santa Ana agrees with this finding. The needs and budgets differ from city to city throughout the County. Law enforcement agencies deploy their personnel according to the unique needs of their respective cities. Notwithstanding the budget and other challenges faced by the City of Santa Ana, the Santa Ana Police Department recognizes the importance of its response to mental health calls for service, and to that end and as previously mentioned, the Department has dedicated a full-time Quality of Life Team.

Law enforcement collaboration with County PERT clinicians and Be Well mobileresponse units has been an effective tool when responding to mental health calls for service. The City of Santa Ana agrees with this finding. The QOLT program includes an officer specifically assigned to a Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT) clinician. This partnership is invaluable in providing services to persons experiencing menthal health crisis. Currently, the Santa Ana Police Department does not collaborate in the Be Well mobile response units. Instead, the City of Santa Ana partners with City Net to offer resources to officers and citizens alike for dealing with mental health issues. SANTA ANA CITY COUNCIL David Penaloza Phil Bacerra Johnathan Ryan Hernandez Jessie Lopez Benjamin Vazquez Thai Viet Phan Valerie Amezcua Ward 5 Ward 6 Ward 3 Ward 4 Mayor Pro Tem, Ward 1 Ward 2 Mayor [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury Report Law Enforcement's Response to Mental Health Calls for Service July 15, 2024 Page

People with mental illness respond more positively to "soft uniformed" police personnel, which can be effective in de-escalating situations. The City of Santa Ana agrees with this finding. QOLT officers, to include the officer assigned to the PERT clinician, wear a "soft uniform" consisting of a clearly marked Santa Ana Police Department polo shirt, jeans, and a gun belt. This uniform is a balance between uniformed command presence and a relaxed demeanor suitable for de-escalation.

Providing follow-up case management is not only necessary but critical for the wellbeing of people experiencing mental health issues. The City of Santa Ana agrees with this finding. As part of their daily responsibilities, the Officer assigned to the PERT Clinician and the clinician conduct follow-up case management. They regularly follow up with clients regarding medication and appointment attendance. Case management is essential for the client's well-being and success. RESPONSE TO