The Westminster Police Department and Be Well OC, a nonprofit with the goal of developing a first-class behavioral health system for Orange County, have entered into a partnership.
Instead of police officers responding to a mental health or substance abuse crisis call, in many instances, the Be Well Mobile Crisis Response Team skilled in de-escalation, crisis intervention, counseling and mediation will respond.
The mobile response team can assist with suicidal ideation, non-domestic violence family issues and disputes, welfare checks, intoxication and other basic needs like food, shelter, water and clothing. However, if there is a risk of self-harm or a public safety issue — for example, if in a domestic violence situation, someone is armed — then the Be Well team will respond with the police.