The Redwood City Police Department says the mental health clinician who recently began teaming with officers on calls regarding people experiencing mental health crises “has become a vital part of our organization and mission.”
Patricia Baker was hired late last year as the Redwood City Police Department’s new Community Wellness and Crisis Response Team mental health clinician. It’s part of a two-year pilot program with the County. Mental health clincians operating in Redwood City, San Mateo, Daly City and South San Francisco are working in tandem with police officers to deescalate 9-1-1 calls and provide care for those undergoing a mental health crisis.
Since December, Baker has responded to over 90 incidents involving people in crisis and those experiencing homelessness, according to the Police Department.
“Recently, Patricia was dispatched alongside officers to down town Redwood City on a report of a female subject who was screaming and throwing items at passersby,” police said. “Officers located the individual and determined that there was no crime or immediate threat to public safety. Patricia was then able step in and speak with the female. Based on their conversation, Patricia determined that she was in the midst of a mental health crisis and subsequently placed her on a mental health hold and had her transported to the hospital for advanced treatment.”
The Police Department added, “We truly appreciate her experience and abilities.”
