High Point Introduces Innovative Crisis Response Team
In a bid to effectively tackle pressing social issues such as homelessness and mental health, the High Point Police Department has unveiled a novel approach. The initiative involves a specialized team, known as the HOPE (Help, Outreach, Prevention, and Engagement) team, which aims to address these challenges through a more tailored and compassionate strategy.
Comprising a licensed social worker and two crisis counselors, the HOPE team is designed to bridge the gap between law enforcement and community support services. Their mission includes guiding individuals to essential resources, such as emergency housing and addiction recovery programs—services that traditional police forces are not equipped to offer, according to Chief of Police Curtis Cheeks.
“They don’t need a person with a badge and a gun to solve that problem,” Cheeks explains. “So we wanted to take some time and put in place something that was sustainable and that was a better approach for what we needed here in this community.”
Utilizing a HIPAA-compliant database, the team conducts behavioral health assessments while maintaining the confidentiality of information, even from police officers. This approach is intended to provide consistent and long-term solutions for frequent 911 callers, thereby minimizing the need for police intervention.
Distinguishing themselves from traditional law enforcement, the team will use non-police vehicles and wear green uniforms. Their operations will be flexible, allowing them to work independently or alongside officers, depending on what the situation demands.
Chief Cheeks notes that in situations where safety permits, the HOPE team can take the lead in managing cases, illustrating a significant shift towards a more community-focused model of crisis response.
