Trending...
- Spokane City Council Members Introduce "Immigration Enforcement Free Zones"
- InspireTech Global and SKADI Cyber Defense Announce Strategic Partnership to Deliver Autonomous Cybersecurity to Canadian Education and Public Sector
- Welfare Check Leads To Domestic Violence Arrest; Guns and Drugs Recovered At North Spokane Apartment
Julie Humphreys, 509.625.5868
Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) responds to thousands of individuals in crisis in 2020 providing the best possible outcomes during a very challenging year for people with mental health issues.
The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs Co-Deployed team data for the BHU's first year of operation in Spokane County is out and shows the unit contacted 3,760 individuals between January 2020 and December 2021. 78% of those contacts resulted in an outcome other than jail or the hospital. The goal of the unit is just that, to divert people in crisis from being arrested or seeking treatment in hospitals when other options may better meet their needs.
The BHU consists of officers from the Spokane Police Department (SPD), a Deputy from the Spokane County Sheriff's Office (SCSO), and a Spokane Valley Police Officer, co-deployed with clinicians from Frontier Behavioral Health (FBH) to assist those caught in a "crisis" within our community. A "crisis contact" is described as a person who is experiencing increased emotion and decreased reasoning. The unit responds to those in crisis county-wide but has also proven to be a valuable asset to agencies throughout the state. SPD is looking to add additional officers to the BHU unit because of the success of the program in offering safe resolutions for the person in crisis, mental health professionals, and law enforcement.
More on Washingtoner
Of the 3,760 people contacted, 46 were arrested, which is 1.2% of contacts; 590 people or 15.7% of contacts were emergently detained – meaning the person was taken to a hospital for involuntary treatment because they were homicidal, suicidal, unable to care for themselves, or gravely disabled. In addition to the 3,760 contacts last year, 331 people identified from call types other than mental health were diverted from arrestable offense and from hospitals. The BHU was able to relieve a total of 4,272 calls from patrol in 2020.
Other numbers show the unit responded to 434 suicidal calls, followed up on 520 individual, made 1,044 welfare calls, and assisted DCR's - Designated Crisis Responders - in 772 BHU calls.
"2020 was a very challenging year for all. Everyone experienced social isolation, minimal face to face contact, and a change in routines" said BHU Sgt. Jay Kernkamp.
"The implementation of the Behavioral Health Unit could not have occurred at a better time. Often times we were the only social interaction and resource available during the pandemic. Moving forward, the BHU anticipates serving the community by reducing calls for service with high utilizers of 911 and assisting those in crisis by connecting them to services and resources. The BHU continues to foster relationships with invested community partners."
More on Washingtoner
The BHU had many success stories of helping those in crisis in its inaugural year. Below is one recent example of the impact the unit has had on the community. ***
A homicidal, suicidal male fled a care facility in Idaho and headed to Spokane where he was said to be looking for his girlfriend to kill her. The male had been diagnosed with Schizo-affective and bipolar disorders and was said to be armed with a firearm. He stated he did not want to go back to jail and would not be taken alive. At the same time, law enforcement had a duty to try and protect the female victim from any attempts on her life.
Recognizing the risk to the public and law enforcement BHU immediately reached out to the neighboring agencies and the victim to develop intelligence on the male. BHU officers were in contact with him within an hour over the phone. Within 3 hours the male had agreed to meet BHU officers. During this time, BHU officers along with the DV unit collaboratively worked with the victim and friends of the male to keep all parties safe and to ensure there were no crimes committed. 5 hours from the first call on this incident, BHU officers met with the male. He admitted to being bipolar and off his medication. The male was cooperative with BHU officers and gave consent to check for firearms, none were found.
The male was voluntarily transported to a nearby hospital for an evaluation. He remained there for 7 days where he was stabilized and evaluated while taking his medication. The female victim was kept safe during this time. Once released from the hospital, BHU met with the male again. They explained to him the dangers he presented while off his medication. He was also informed about a no-contact order placed on him while at the hospital. This was to ensure he did not go back to jail and to keep his girlfriend safe.
Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) responds to thousands of individuals in crisis in 2020 providing the best possible outcomes during a very challenging year for people with mental health issues.
The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs Co-Deployed team data for the BHU's first year of operation in Spokane County is out and shows the unit contacted 3,760 individuals between January 2020 and December 2021. 78% of those contacts resulted in an outcome other than jail or the hospital. The goal of the unit is just that, to divert people in crisis from being arrested or seeking treatment in hospitals when other options may better meet their needs.
The BHU consists of officers from the Spokane Police Department (SPD), a Deputy from the Spokane County Sheriff's Office (SCSO), and a Spokane Valley Police Officer, co-deployed with clinicians from Frontier Behavioral Health (FBH) to assist those caught in a "crisis" within our community. A "crisis contact" is described as a person who is experiencing increased emotion and decreased reasoning. The unit responds to those in crisis county-wide but has also proven to be a valuable asset to agencies throughout the state. SPD is looking to add additional officers to the BHU unit because of the success of the program in offering safe resolutions for the person in crisis, mental health professionals, and law enforcement.
More on Washingtoner
- HBMHCW Expande Infraestructura de Cumplimiento para Argentina mientras América Latina Supera $1.5 Billones en Volumen Cripto
- Norisia Launches AI Formulated Luxury Multivitamin to Transform Daily Wellness in the UK
- City of Tacoma Invites Community Input on Proposals to Modernize Housing, Zoning, and Land Use Codes for 2026
- Tacoma: Mayor Anders Ibsen to Deliver First State of the City Address on March 4
- Jacob Emrani's Annual "Supper Bowl" Expected To Donate Thousands Of Meals
Of the 3,760 people contacted, 46 were arrested, which is 1.2% of contacts; 590 people or 15.7% of contacts were emergently detained – meaning the person was taken to a hospital for involuntary treatment because they were homicidal, suicidal, unable to care for themselves, or gravely disabled. In addition to the 3,760 contacts last year, 331 people identified from call types other than mental health were diverted from arrestable offense and from hospitals. The BHU was able to relieve a total of 4,272 calls from patrol in 2020.
Other numbers show the unit responded to 434 suicidal calls, followed up on 520 individual, made 1,044 welfare calls, and assisted DCR's - Designated Crisis Responders - in 772 BHU calls.
"2020 was a very challenging year for all. Everyone experienced social isolation, minimal face to face contact, and a change in routines" said BHU Sgt. Jay Kernkamp.
"The implementation of the Behavioral Health Unit could not have occurred at a better time. Often times we were the only social interaction and resource available during the pandemic. Moving forward, the BHU anticipates serving the community by reducing calls for service with high utilizers of 911 and assisting those in crisis by connecting them to services and resources. The BHU continues to foster relationships with invested community partners."
More on Washingtoner
- NASA / Glenn Research Center Collaboration to Help Meet Rising Demand for Space Energy Beaming Tech / CIGS PV Modules from Ascent Solar: NAS DAQ: ASTI
- When Interpretation Becomes Conversation: Rethinking Engagement in the Museum Age
- Half of Finnish Online Gambling Expenditure Now Flows to Offshore Instant Casinos as License Applications Open March 1, 2026
- RTC Communications Completes Next Level Connect Fiber Expansion Bringing Multi-Gig Broadband to West Boggs Community
- EPP Pricing Platform announces leadership transition to support long-term growth and continuity
The BHU had many success stories of helping those in crisis in its inaugural year. Below is one recent example of the impact the unit has had on the community. ***
A homicidal, suicidal male fled a care facility in Idaho and headed to Spokane where he was said to be looking for his girlfriend to kill her. The male had been diagnosed with Schizo-affective and bipolar disorders and was said to be armed with a firearm. He stated he did not want to go back to jail and would not be taken alive. At the same time, law enforcement had a duty to try and protect the female victim from any attempts on her life.
Recognizing the risk to the public and law enforcement BHU immediately reached out to the neighboring agencies and the victim to develop intelligence on the male. BHU officers were in contact with him within an hour over the phone. Within 3 hours the male had agreed to meet BHU officers. During this time, BHU officers along with the DV unit collaboratively worked with the victim and friends of the male to keep all parties safe and to ensure there were no crimes committed. 5 hours from the first call on this incident, BHU officers met with the male. He admitted to being bipolar and off his medication. The male was cooperative with BHU officers and gave consent to check for firearms, none were found.
The male was voluntarily transported to a nearby hospital for an evaluation. He remained there for 7 days where he was stabilized and evaluated while taking his medication. The female victim was kept safe during this time. Once released from the hospital, BHU met with the male again. They explained to him the dangers he presented while off his medication. He was also informed about a no-contact order placed on him while at the hospital. This was to ensure he did not go back to jail and to keep his girlfriend safe.
0 Comments
Latest on Washingtoner
- Sleep Basil Curates a Clearer Brooklyn Bedding Experience for Performance-Minded Denver Sleepers
- Spokane City Council Members Introduce "Immigration Enforcement Free Zones"
- Spokane: Mayor Brown Calls on Congress to Extend Temporary Protected Status for Haitian Community Members
- Nevada Man Launches Nationwide Animal Abuse Registry
- New Threat Management Workshop Brings Hands-On BTAM Training to Spokane Valley
- Star-powered Kappa Takeover Weekend Returns to the DMV June 18- 21, 2026, Hosted By Comedian Joe Clair W/ Dj Quick Silva (the Party Kingpin)
- Tacoma: Homicide Investigation – 1200 Block of South I Street
- Welfare Check Leads To Domestic Violence Arrest; Guns and Drugs Recovered At North Spokane Apartment
- Scoop Social Co. Wins The Knot and WeddingWire Awards as Brand Expands Nationwide
- Denise Murphy Lenci Promoted to Century Fasteners Corp. – General Manager, Northeast Sales
- TiNY Puts Real Pets on the Payroll for New PetArmor Campaign
- P‑Wave Classics Launches Definitive New Edition of Hannah Webster Foster's The Coquette
- Strategic Expansion with 3 New Alliances — Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales, CFR YS & flyExclusive Incentive Partnership: Off The Hook YS: (N Y S E: OTH)
- Super League (N A S D A Q: SLE) Advances AI-Driven Playable Media with AdArcade, Solsten, and Meta-Stadiums Partnerships, Plus Roblox Theatre Launch
- purelyIV Expands Concierge Wellness Platform with New IV Therapies, Memberships, and Digital Experience
- CCHR: Europe Rejects Forced Psychiatry—Landmark Vote Declares Coercive Practices Incompatible with Human Rights
- Crossroads4Hope Kicks Off Its 25th Year of Caring with the Launch of Free Breast and Colorectal Cancer Resources for Patients and Families Nationwide
- OpenSSL Corporation Advisory Committees' Elections 2026: Voting Now Open
- Good Vibes Club and Instant IP Forge Strategic Partnership to Secure IP Brand Value in a Booming Digital Economy
- Inkdnylon Simplifies Digitizing and Vector Art Nationwide With Clear Pricing and Guided File Support