(Lawrenceville, Ga., June 21, 2024) – The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday extended the Gwinnett County Police Department’s partnership with View Point Health.

Through the $714,000 contract, the Behavioral Health Unit pairs a licensed mental health clinician with an officer at each police precinct to respond to individuals experiencing mental health crises.

Implemented in 2021 as a pilot program, the unit began with a single co-responder team composed of a police officer trained in mental health and crisis de-escalation paired with a licensed mental health clinician. This initiative aims to divert individuals in mental health emergencies from the criminal justice system to essential recovery resources.

Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson emphasized the program’s importance.

“The success of our Behavioral Health Unit in diverting individuals from incarceration and connecting them with the necessary resources underscores the vital role of this program,” Hendrickson said. “By continuing our partnership with View Point Health, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting mental health and enhancing public safety in Gwinnett County.”

The unit handles an average of 15 to 20 calls daily, approximately 300 calls monthly. In 2023, the Behavioral Health Unit responded to 4,800 calls, including 2,650 crisis calls, over 760 calls for assistance from uniform patrol, and 675 follow-up contacts with individuals from previous calls.

Statewide, more than 65 percent of detention centers house inmates incarcerated due to mental health concerns. By employing effective de-escalation tactics, Gwinnett’s Behavioral Health Unit achieved a 98 percent jail diversion rate last year. Notably, out of all the calls in 2023, 223 individuals were involuntarily committed to a hospital or treatment facility and 82 were voluntarily committed.

The unit, now fully staffed, consists of six teams and a program coordinator.