Pilot project launched to assist 911 callers in mental distress
Posted November 2, 2021 2:31 pm.
The Gerstein Crisis Centre (GCC) and Toronto Police Service (TPS) have teamed up to launch a 911 call diversion project to assist callers in mental distress.
Over the next 12 months, GCC and TPS responders will work collaboratively to respond to in-person crisis calls where no imminent danger is present.
TPS workers will assess the nature of the call and determine if it warrants a police response or a crisis worker.
A GCC crisis worker will be available 20 hours a day, seven days a week and discussions between callers and workers will remain confidential.
The pilot project is being launched in response to mental health advocates calling for police reform following a number of fatal incidents after officers responded to crisis calls.
