Monterey County Grand Jury • 2023-2024 • Agency Response
Response to: Treasurer-Tax Collector's Response to the Cannabis Tax Revenues, Highs and Lows report

Monterey County’s Response to Community Members Experiencing a Mental Health Crisis

Published: April 05, 2024 19 pages
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Findings and Recommendations 5 findings

F1
In 2022, there were 662 sworn officers in Monterey County. Those without the 40- hour CIT training, offered twice a year for 35 first responders per session, are unlikely to be as effective at responding to people in crisis, leading to potentially dangerous outcomes for officers and community members.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
Monterey County Department of Behavioral Health develop a POST-certified, abbreviated in-service training course on CIT by December 31, 2024, designed for law enforcement officers who have not taken the 40-hour course to be facilitated annually by Field Training Officers.
F2
There has not been a comprehensive public awareness campaign to inform County residents of a specific crisis line number and the new 24/7 (as of January 1, 2024) capacity of the Mobile Crisis Team to respond to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis causing the public to remain unaware of the availability of this resource.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
Monterey County increase its public awareness campaign regarding the Mobile Crisis Team’s 24/7 availability to include more social media posts, news articles, and advertising
F3
The Mapping Project found no formal collaboration exists among the various entities that respond to people with mental health difficulties who are in crisis. A case-by- case response is not a consistent or effective strategy and does not serve the community well.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
Monterey County appoint a liaison to establish regular meetings among entities such as MCBH, LEAs, 911 dispatchers, hospital ER staff, and relevant nonprofit service providers that respond to individuals with mental health difficulties
F4
SPD and MCSO have not prepared annual training needs assessments and plans as required by their internal policies. Consequently, their training plans are out of date leaving officers and deputies less equipped/prepared to respond to crisis calls for service and putting themselves and the public at risk.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
The Salinas Police Chief and the Monterey County Sheriff prioritize the completion of an annual training needs assessment and plan by no later than July 31, 2024, and by the end of each fiscal year thereafter.
F5
Current standards, policies, practices, operating procedures, and education and training materials are not conspicuously posted on either SPD or MCSO websites causing them to be out of compliance with California Senate Bill 978 and making it more difficult for the public to obtain such information.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
The Salinas Police Department and Monterey County Sheriff’s Office conspicuously post all current standards, policies, practices, operating procedures, and education and training materials to their websites