Train dispatchers and call-takers for mental health-related calls

Dispatchers and call-takers are trained to identify and appropriately respond to calls that may have a mental health component. This can include mental health awareness, verbal de-escalation techniques, appropriate triage and dispatch protocols, and coding of mental health calls.

For samples related to this intervention, see this resource:

• Salt Lake City 911 Dispatch Procedure for Mental Disorder

Local Examples

Harris County, TX Houston Emergency Center

• Dispatchers and call-takers receive 24 hours of crisis communications training.

For a sample related to this example, see this resource:

• Houston Police Department Crisis Intervention Call Codes

For more information on this example, see this resource:

• Houston Police Department Law Enforcement-Mental Health Learning Site Profile