Not all calls for help with mental heath crises should go to Kelowna RCMP

Kelowna RCMP are urging the public to contact a non-profit’s response team first when faced with a mental health crisis.

The detachment issued a news release today, Aug. 26, reminding the public there’s a second option aside from contacting police.

“Many people experiencing a mental health crisis do not require a police response,” Insp. Laura Pollock of Kelowna RCMP said in the news release.

The Crisis Response Community-Led, or CRCL, program was launched earlier this year through Canadian Mental Health Association of Kelowna. It comprises of a team of specialists who respond to mental health calls separately from a police response.

The crisis response team is for people aged 13 or older, offering emotional support, de-escalation techniques and connections to other services. Local versions of the program are operating in several cities across the province, including Kamloops.

For Kelowna, the first phase started last winter with police triaging calls to the non-profit’s team when needed. That changed in March when the non-profit instead started taking calls directly.

“Every mental health crisis is different, which is why having the right response matters,’’ program manager Giles Ringer said in the news release.

“CRCL was created to respond to people experiencing mental health crisis with specialized crisis intervention, practical support, and connections to ongoing care. With CRCL offering specialized support to those who need it, the RCMP can focus more on public safety.”

The team can be reached by phone or text everyday at 778-940-2560 from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. More information can be found online here.

Kelowna RCMP said the non-profit should be the first call in a mental health crisis when there is no immediate danger.

CRCL may be the appropriate first call when an individual is:

• Experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis.
• Displaying concerning or agitated behaviour.
• Expressing suicidal thoughts without an immediate plan or means.
• Engaging in low-risk self-harming behaviours.
• Experiencing a mental health crisis related to substance use.
• In need of crisis intervention, support, or connection to services rather than law enforcement.

You should call 911 immediately when:

• An individual is actively attempting to harm themselves.
• There is an immediate threat to life or safety.
• Weapons are involved.
• Violence is occurring or imminent.
• Urgent police intervention is required to protect the person or others.