Behavioral Health Unit

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Questions and Answers

What letter designation should be used after the call disposition code for suspected mental/behavioral health-related incidents?

MH (correct)

CIT

MH-1

What is the first step a Co-Responder must take when Self-Dispatching to an active 911 call?

Notify 911 Dispatch of their en route status. (correct)

Wait for UPB officers to call them.

Approach the scene immediately.

Speak to the individual in crisis beforehand.

Which factor is NOT considered when determining safe distance for Co-Responders?

Subject's propensity for violence.

Subject's access to weapons.

Co-Responder's experience level. (correct)

External influencing factors.

When determining the need for Outreach response, which of the following is a consideration?

The individual's recent contact with OPD. Signup and view all the answers

Which group is responsible for prioritizing mental/behavioral health-related calls alongside Co-Responders?

CORE officers. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major reason for Co-Responders to remain at a safe distance upon arrival at a scene?

For their own safety during assessment. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following criteria would NOT likely trigger an Outreach response?

The individual is currently in an active mental health crisis. Signup and view all the answers

What ongoing communication practice is required between UPB, CIT officers, and Co-Responders during an incident?

Continuous communication before, during, and after the incident. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the Behavioral Health and Wellness Unit (BHWU)?

To divert individuals with mental health concerns from the criminal justice system. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the structure of the BHWU?

The BHWU consists of sworn officers and specially trained mental health professionals. Signup and view all the answers

Who supervises the Collaborative Outreach, Response, and Engagement Squad (CORE)?

A sergeant. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Employee Resources Squad in the BHWU?

To support OPD employees with various administrative and wellness functions. Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy is employed by the BHWU to proactively address behavioral health needs?

Proactive outreach to individuals with behavioral health needs. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Co-Responder unit within the BHWU entail?

Mental health professionals employed by the OPD. Signup and view all the answers

In addition to mental health crisis response, what other function does the BHWU fulfill?

Facilitating various support functions for OPD personnel. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key responsibility of the OPD Mental Health Coordinator within the BHWU?

Overseeing the Co-Responder Squad and managing mental health strategies. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Peer Support Team Leader?

To provide assistance and support during and after critical incidents Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods do BHWU employees NOT use to interact with community members in need?

Attending community meetings regularly Signup and view all the answers

What is required on the OPD Behavioral Health Incident Tracking Form?

Contact with persons suspected of having a behavioral health-related issue Signup and view all the answers

If an OPD Co-Responder is not available, what should be requested?

Mobile Crisis Response via 911 Dispatch Signup and view all the answers

How many officers are typically included in a Peer Unit?

Two officers, a CORE officer and a Co-Responder Signup and view all the answers

What additional support may be requested for safety concerns during incidents?

A second CORE officer or an Adam UPB Unit Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT mentioned as a function of the CORE Squad?

Handling non-emergency community inquiries Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential reason for requesting additional officer assistance?

To transport arrestees or individuals for Emergency Protective Custody Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Omaha Police Department Behavioral Health and Wellness Unit (BHWU)

The BHWU is a specially trained unit that uses a multidisciplinary approach to address behavioral health-related crisis situations.
It aims to provide early intervention and treatment for those with mental health concerns, diverting them from the criminal justice system.
The unit comprises trained mental health professionals (co-responders) and sworn law enforcement officers, working collaboratively.

Definitions

Co-Responder: Specially trained mental health professionals employed by the OPD.
Outreach: Proactive response to individuals with behavioral health needs.
Self-Dispatch: Self-initiated response to a 911 call or incident.

Procedures

Command: The BHWU is commanded by a lieutenant.
Components: Includes sworn and non-sworn employees.
Collaborative Outreach, Response, and Engagement Squad (CORE): Supervised by a sergeant, composed of sworn officers.
Co-Responder Squad: Supervised by the OPD Mental Health Coordinator.
Employee Resources Squad: Led by a sergeant, supporting OPD employees.
Functions/Services: Management of FMLA, injured on duty/workers' compensation, injury processes, timekeeping, collective bargaining, legal issues, and management of the Cordico digital app.
Peer Support Team: Led by a Peer Support Team Leader, providing assistance and support to OPD employees in critical situations.

BHWU Interactions with Community

Responding to Officer Requests: BHWU responds to requests from officers for assistance.
Responding to 911 Calls (Self-Dispatch): BHWU staff can initiate response to 911 calls.
Face-to-Face Contacts: BHWU staff makes in-person contacts.
Proactive Outreach: Contacting community members experiencing mental/behavioral health crises, with a sworn officer and a Co-Responder.
Radio Procedures: CORE Squad and Co-Responder radio call signs are detailed in the OPD's radio procedures.
Mobile Crisis Response: Used if a Co-Responder isn't available.

BHWU Active 911 Call Response

Co-Responder Response: Prioritizes self-dispatch and response to 911 calls with a mental/behavioral health component.
Safe Distance: Co-Responder waits a safe distance from the scene while officers assess the situation.
Scene Safety Assessments: Responding officers determine when it's safe for the Co-Responder to approach the scene (dangerous, subject access to weapons).
Factors in Approach: Consider subject violence propensity, access to weapons, criminal or committal history, external influences, and state of influence.
Documentation: OPD Form 78B tracks incidents with suspected mental or behavioral health issues. "MH" is used after the disposition code.

Outreach

A team comprising a CORE officer, UPB/CIT officer and a Co-Responder engage with members of the public.

BHWU Walk-In Requests

Co-Responder/Mobile Crisis Response: Responded when possible if a member of the public goes into any of the OPD's precincts.
Screening: Individuals screened by Co-responders before potentially being referred for outreach.
Screening Criteria: Includes whether the individual has contacted OPD in the last six months, connection to community services, concern regarding mental health history, need for officer backup, and potential for violence.

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Description

Explore the structure and function of the Omaha Police Department's Behavioral Health and Wellness Unit (BHWU). This quiz covers the unit's multidisciplinary approach, the role of co-responders, and the procedures for managing behavioral health crises.