TAMPA, Fla. — One of the findings of Tampa's Community Task Force on Policing was to improve their response to mental health and social welfare calls.
To launch their pilot program, the Tampa Police Department partnered with Agency for Community Treatment Services. They're now looking to hire four clinicians to partner with TPD officers while they respond to crisis-related calls.
"What we want to do is connect people with the proper resources," said Officer Angie Torres.
- Pilot program for Tampa Crisis Intervention Response Team being launched.
- Four clinicians will be paired with four officers to respond to crisis-related calls.
- TPD signed a contract with Agency for Community Treatment Services to hire its clinicians
- See link to apply for the position with ACTS
Officer Torres has been in law enforcement for 7 years, 2 of those years have been with the Tampa Police Department. Torres has crisis training but, as a member of TPD's Crisis Intervention Response Team, she will have the assistance of a licensed mental health professional when answering such calls.
"What we are trying to do with our licensed clinician is to be able to better serve our communities," added Officer Torres.
TPD is one of several area Police Departments to adopt this program.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's office launched its Behavioral Resources Unit in October 2020.
"This is a completely different position of a clinician, not sitting behind a desk, not doing one on one therapy but engaging the community and being out in the field," said Agency for Community Treatment Services Chief Operating Officer Cris Riviere.
"We can reduce arrests, Emergency room admissions," adds Riviere. "We can address mental health calls on scene."
The pilot program will last for a year, but Officer Torres says that time will be used wisely to grow and expand.
"I know it's going to be impactful and I know it's going to benefit the community," she said.
Tampa Police says all clinicians will have to complete some field training for the new job.
A minimum of three years of experience is required to apply.
There is also a $1,000 signing bonus.
Visit the following link to apply for the position with ACTS.