Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office faces more questions on mental health policy

The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office is currently under scrutiny for a controversial policy that limits their response to mental health calls in situations where no crime is occurring. This decision has raised questions among community members and officials about the implications for public safety and effective mental health support.

In a recent meeting with the Sacramento County Sheriff Review Commission, the sheriff’s office presented data from the first five months since the policy change took effect. Sacramento County Undersheriff Mike Ziegler represented the sheriff’s department during this discussion, providing a breakdown of 884 mental health calls received since February. Notably, 410 of these calls did not receive a sheriff’s response, which is a significant number for those advocating for an enhanced mental health response system.

The policy stipulates that law enforcement will not respond to mental health crises if no criminal activity is reported. Instead, the sheriff’s office has opted to transfer those calls to other agencies, like WellSpace Health or the local fire department, which are better equipped to handle mental health emergencies. In the reported calls, 286 were successfully redirected to those alternative services, while 188 callers specifically requested the sheriff’s office; Ziegler noted that these requests could indicate a potential risk to the deputies responding.

Ziegler defended the policy, stating, “We haven’t had one person call and then have them call back later and say that person committed suicide. Not one.” However, this statement has sparked concerns among commission members about the adequacy of mental health resources available in lieu of direct law enforcement intervention.

The commission is particularly focused on understanding how this policy impacts scenarios that might involve violence or potential harm, not just to the individuals in crisis but also to first responders. Paul Curtis, chair of the sheriff’s commission, stressed the importance of data gathering regarding these critical incidents, emphasizing the need for comprehensive evaluation as they navigate this new policy landscape.

Further complicating these dynamics, Captain Mark Nunez from the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District expressed that while they have not encountered injuries due to behavioral health calls thus far, the absence of police presence can sometimes hinder their ability to make safe contact with patients. He remarked, “While our crews remain committed to providing care, it’s important to note that in rare cases, the absence of law enforcement may prevent our responders from safely making patient contact.”

This statement underscores a critical tension between the goals of mental health management and public safety measures. The Sierra Health Foundation has echoed similar sentiments, advocating for regional collaborations that involve law enforcement, mental health organizations, and community stakeholders to create long-term, sustainable solutions for mental health emergencies.

During the commission meeting, members posed inquiries regarding the ongoing efficacy of the policy and its impact on other community agencies engaged in mental health oversight. Ziegler responded to concerns about officers’ safety, asserting the sheriff’s office is open to refining the policy based on ongoing feedback and real-world outcomes. “From a law enforcement perspective, it is all positive,” he said, hinting at a willingness to evolve in strategy as data becomes available.

The commission is expected to finalize their recommendations by the end of June, a deadline that looms heavily as they grapple with the complexities of mental health intervention in conjunction with law enforcement’s role.

Overall, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office’s policy shifts reflect broader trends in mental health crisis response across the nation. As cities and counties strive to implement strategies that prioritize wellbeing while ensuring public safety, the need for a collaborative approach that includes multiple stakeholders has never been clearer.

The ongoing discussions surrounding these policies are emblematic of a larger societal imperative to navigate the intersection of mental health and law enforcement thoughtfully and effectively, ensuring that individuals in crisis receive the necessary help while maintaining community safety. As we move forward, the outcomes of these conversations and the policies that emerge from them will be vital not just for Sacramento County, but as a reference point for other jurisdictions grappling with similar challenges in mental health management.

As the sheriff’s commission reviews its recommendations, the goal remains singular: to protect both those in crisis and the community at large, fostering an environment that prioritizes compassionate, comprehensive mental health care—a more humane approach in the face of growing societal challenges.

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