As a continuing series of getting to know firsthand the work officers are doing in our community, the Police Bureau released a video ride-along with Behavioral Health Response Team Officer Josh Silverman and Project Respond clinician Cindy Hackett. 

In the spring of 2013, the Portland Police Bureau created the Behavioral Health Unit (BHU), which is located within Central Precinct and oversees crisis intervention training for all officers; the Enhanced Crisis Intervention Team, a group of officers who volunteer to respond to most crisis calls; the proactive Behavioral Health Response Team (BHRT); and the Service Coordination Team (SCT).

The Behavioral Health Response Team pairs a Project Respond clinician with a Portland Police Officer.   BHRTs proactively work with individuals who have multiple contacts with police to attempt to connect them with appropriate services in advance of a mental health crisis. The Police Bureau now has five BHRT cars.

The Portland Police Bureau is committed to continuous improvement in our delivery of service to Portland's most vulnerable communities. Please take a moment to watch the video for a better understanding of the work of the BHRT.