Kitsap County Sheriff’s Crisis Intervention Coordinator works to divert people experiencing mental health needs away from the criminal justice system and toward treatment through referrals

Program description

The Crisis Intervention Coordinator (CIC) works to divert people experiencing mental health needs away from the criminal justice system and toward treatment through referrals to the proper social agencies, whenever available and appropriate. The CIC uses understanding and skills gained through specific training and experience to identify and provide a safe, effective, and compassionate response to law enforcement situations involving people in mental health crisis. The CIC works with law enforcement, community partners, and community members to conduct proactive behavioral health outreach and follow up. 

Read more in our Connecting Community Members to Care report.

Populations of emphasis 

Anyone experiencing mental health crisis.

How it works

1. Patrol officers create log of reports that would benefit from follow-up to meet individual mental health needs and promote public safety.

2. Crisis Intervention Coordinator prioritizes reports based on urgency and capacity.

3. Coordinator follows up with individuals to better understand their needs.

4. Coordinator connects individual with various community resources to best meet their needs.

5. Coordinator assists patrol officers for high priority events in addition to responding to referrals.

Data

In 2022:

• 204 unique community members served

• 391 interactions with clients

• 48 referrals to local R.E.A.L. Teams

Note: 2022 data reflects 1 full-time (4 days/week) CIC.

Source: 2022 1/10th report, Kitsap Public Health District and Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office

Tips for success

1. Choose a focus area topic in order to maximize efforts.

2. Create a plan for the program and share with city and county elected officials and boards to obtain support and funding. 

3. Plan for administrative and reporting support to allow responders as much time as possible in the field.

Funding

Kitsap County 1/10th funds one CIC position

Contact

Email Kitsap County Sheriff’s Department, Crisis Intervention Coordinator/Patrol Deputy Casey Jinks

Connecting Community Members to Care Report

OCH is honored to share the success of the Kitsap County Sheriff's Crisis Intervention Coordinator. We are inspired by their continuing commitment to timely, compassionate care that meets individual client needs. Read more about this and other successes in our new Connecting Community Members to Care report.