Jena Park Office of the City Manager July 23, 2024 The Honorable Maria D. Hernandez Presiding Judge of the Superior*

Mental health training for law enforcement officers 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. Response: The City of Buena Park agrees with this finding. The City of Buena Park and the Buena Park Police Department have and will continue investing in mental health training for employees and officers.

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 Buena Park agrees with this finding. The City of Buena Park and Response: the Buena Park Police Department have implemented and will continue looking for new and innovative opportunities to be safer and more efficient when responding to mental health calls.

Law enforcement collaboration with County PERT clinicians and Be Well mobile response units has been an effective tool when responding to mental health calls for service. Response: The City of Buena Park agrees with this finding. The City of Buena Park and the Buena Park Police Department have and will continue collaborating with County PERT clinicians and the HOPE Center, as well as explore other partnership opportunities with governmental and non-profit organizations. 6650 Beach Boulevard | P.O. Box 5009 | Buena Park, CA | 90622-5009 | [714] 562-3550 | Fax [714] 562-3559 | BuenaPark.com The Honorable Maria D. Hernandez Law Enforcement's Response to Mental Health Calls for Service

People with mental illness respond more positively to "soft uniformed" police personnel, which can be effective in de-escalating situations. Response: The City of Buena Park agrees with this finding. The City of Buena Park and the Buena Park Police Department have implemented and will continue supplying "soft uniforms" to personnel assigned to positions that specifically respond to persons experiencing mental illness.

Providing follow-up case management is not only necessary but critical for the well-being of people experiencing mental health issues. Response: The City of Buena Park agrees with this finding. The City of Buena Park and the Buena Park Police Department have implemented and will continue to provide follow-up case management services in collaboration with County PERT. Thank you for providing the City of Buena Park the opportunity to respond to this report. Sincerely, Aaron France City Manager CC: Buena Park City Council Christopher G. Cardinale, City Attorney