Behavioral Health Program

Behavioral Health Units

Behavioral Health units were established as an alternative response to traditional police involvement in mental health-related calls. When a 9-1-1 call is received, police dispatchers conduct their standard assessment using the “10-Ws” (e.g., Where, What is Happening, Who, Weapons, etc.).

If the situation does not involve a crime and Fire/EMS services are not required, the dispatcher proceeds with four additional questions to assess for suicidal ideation. If the criteria are met, the call is transferred to a CAP Behavioral Health Dispatcher, who is stationed in the Phoenix Fire Department Dispatch Room. This dispatcher is a CAP Crisis Intervention Supervisor responsible for deploying a Behavioral Health unit team. Behavioral Health dispatchers also provide support and debriefing for the team following a call. While Behavioral Health units are designed to respond independently, they can co-respond with Police or Fire when necessary. Behavioral Health units typically respond to calls involving mental health, substance use, or overall customer well-being. Behavioral Health units provide connection to community-based resources.