For similar reasons, Livonia and Canton agreed earlier this year to embed social workers into their police responses. While they partnered with Livonia-based Hegira Health Inc., Clemence’s approved proposal tapped Oakland Community Health Network because of its vast network of services and service sites.
The three communities typically respond to 911 calls with a mental health component between 2 and 10 p.m. so the goal will be to have the mental health clinician work during those hours.
As with police officers, any neatly-planned schedule and plans to work from a police department office could be upended by a crisis.
Clemence provided a scenario where police might respond to a drug overdose. Right now, officers guarantee medical attention, transport the drug user to the hospital and provide contact information for social service agencies.