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Navigating Crisis Calls in El Cajon: Should Police Get Paid to Back Up County Teams?

Update The Shift in Crisis Call Responses: Setting the StageThe El Cajon City Council is currently examining critical changes to how the local police respond to mental health crisis calls. This review follows a policy update initiated by Police Chief Jeremiah Larson earlier this year, where officers would no longer automatically be deployed to certain crisis situations. The rationale for this shift stems from both liability concerns and the desire to mitigate potential escalations that can arise when police are present at a scene involving individuals in mental distress.Concerns About Coordination and SafetyDuring a recent council meeting, officials raised questions regarding the county's crisis response framework, particularly the interactions between the El Cajon police and county-contracted Mobile Crisis Response Teams (MCRT). As the Heartland Fire & Rescue teams express increased concerns about safety and protocol, the urgency to assess the effectiveness and coordination of crisis response mechanisms has intensified.Financial Implications: Who Picks Up the Bill?Among the most pressing discussions was the financial burden placed on El Cajon’s police department in responding to county-contracted crisis calls. Councilmember Michelle Metschel articulated concerns about the lack of property tax revenue relative to other cities in the county, questioning why El Cajon is expected to shoulder additional security duties without financial support from the county. She suggested a possible reimbursement model for the extra police presence required during these calls.The Bigger Picture: Mental Health Crisis ManagementEl Cajon’s dialogue reflects broader national conversations about how cities manage mental health crises. The effectiveness of mobile crisis teams like the MCRT lies in their ability to provide timely, empathetic responses without escalating potentially volatile situations. However, the interplay between these teams and law enforcement raises questions about safety, resource allocation, and community trust, underscoring the need for holistic strategies that address mental health with both sensitivity and accountability.Summary: The Path ForwardAs the discussion continues, El Cajon must navigate the balance between effective mental health crisis responses and ensuring public safety. With evolving policies and community input, the city has an opportunity to shape a crisis response model that fosters trust and collaboration among law enforcement, emergency services, and the counties they serve.