Car 67: A Vital Mental Health Partnership

In the realm of public safety and healthcare, innovative partnerships are crucial for addressing complex societal needs. One such vital initiative is Car 67, a collaborative program between the Surrey RCMP and Fraser Health that focuses on providing specialized support to individuals experiencing mental health crises. This unique service pairs uniformed police officers with registered nurses to deliver immediate, on-the-ground assistance, aiming to de-escalate situations, conduct risk assessments, and connect individuals with appropriate mental health and victim services. Operating seven days a week from 1 pm to 1 am, Car 67 serves the residents of Surrey and Semiahmoo, offering a critical intervention point for those in distress.

Understanding the Role of Car 67

Car 67 represents a forward-thinking approach to mental health response, acknowledging that many individuals in crisis require a nuanced intervention that goes beyond traditional policing or emergency medical services. The core principle behind Car 67 is to provide a multidisciplinary team that can offer both the authority and security of a police presence, alongside the clinical expertise of a mental health professional. This dual approach allows for a more comprehensive and compassionate response to situations that often involve complex underlying mental health or addiction issues. The team is specifically designed to handle calls where mental health is a primary concern, ensuring that individuals receive the most appropriate care from the outset.

The Partnership: Fraser Health and Surrey RCMP

The success of Car 67 is deeply rooted in the strong partnership between Fraser Health and the Surrey RCMP. This collaboration brings together the distinct but complementary expertise of healthcare professionals and law enforcement. Fraser Health provides the psychiatric nurses, who are trained in crisis intervention, risk assessment, and mental health care. The Surrey RCMP contributes uniformed officers who are equipped to manage public safety, de-escalate tense situations, and provide a secure environment for the nurse to conduct their assessments. This synergy ensures that every interaction is handled with both safety and therapeutic effectiveness in mind. The program is managed by Cpl. Taylor Quee of the Police Mental Health Intervention Unit, who oversees the entire operation and handles the most complex cases, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and dedicated oversight.

Services Provided by Car 67

Car 67 offers a range of crucial services designed to meet the immediate needs of individuals in crisis:

• Crisis Intervention: The primary function is to intervene in situations where individuals are experiencing acute mental health distress, aiming to stabilise the situation and reduce immediate risk.
• Risk Assessments: Both the police officer and the nurse conduct thorough risk assessments to understand the potential danger to the individual and others, informing the subsequent course of action.
• Referrals to Services: A key aspect of Car 67's work is connecting individuals with the most appropriate long-term support. This can include referrals to mental health services, addiction services, victim support, housing assistance, and other community-based resources.
• Mobile Assessments: Unlike traditional hospital-based services, Car 67 teams meet individuals in their environment, whether it's a public space, their home, or another location. This allows for a more accurate assessment of their living situation and immediate needs.
• De-escalation: The presence of a trained nurse alongside a police officer helps in de-escalating potentially volatile situations, often preventing the need for more forceful interventions.

Operational Details and Staffing

Car 67 operates with a dedicated team, reflecting the significant demand for these services. The unit is staffed by three RCMP officers, three full-time nurses, and three casual nurses. These teams undertake 12-hour shifts, covering the critical operational hours of 1 pm to 1 am, seven days a week. The demand for these services is described as "insane," with a desire to extend operational hours to 24/7 coverage. This highlights the ongoing need for mental health support within the community and the effectiveness of the Car 67 model.

Impact and Success Stories

The impact of Car 67 is best illustrated through the numerous success stories that highlight its transformative effect on individuals' lives. Nurse Mary, with 14 years of experience with the program, shares compelling examples:

• From Homelessness to Housing: Mary recounts helping a woman living in a Surrey park, who was experiencing severe mental illness and paranoia. Through consistent support and intervention from Car 67, the woman was able to receive mental health care, secure housing, and improve her quality of life significantly.
• Reducing Police Interactions: Another notable case involved a homeless man with a chronic mental illness who had 76 police interactions in a single year. After receiving help from Car 67 and other RCMP programs, his police contacts reduced to just three in a subsequent year, demonstrating a remarkable improvement in his stability and integration into the community.
• Supporting the Elderly: The team also assists elderly individuals, particularly those experiencing dementia, helping them access care and support to manage their conditions.
• Assisting Immigrants: Recognizing Surrey's diverse population, Car 67 also addresses the unique challenges faced by immigrants, including a lack of mental health education in their home countries. The team helped a young immigrant man overcome his isolation and return to school after he had been homebound for nearly two years.

These stories underscore the profound difference Car 67 makes, not just by addressing immediate crises, but by facilitating long-term recovery and improving the overall well-being of individuals and the community.

Addressing Community Needs and Awareness

The program's reach extends to various segments of the community, including those who may not have prior experience with mental health services. Mary points out the importance of mental health education, especially for immigrant populations who may not have had access to such information in their countries of origin. This educational component is vital for reducing stigma and encouraging individuals to seek help.

Cpl. Quee also emphasizes the public's role in supporting those in distress. She urges residents to be observant and to report concerns to the authorities. "When you see someone in distress... If they are of concern then call us. That’s what we’re here for," she advises. This community involvement is essential for the early identification of individuals who might benefit from Car 67's services. For urgent situations, 911 is the appropriate number, while non-emergency concerns can be directed to the Surrey RCMP's non-emergency line at 604-599-0502.

Comparison with Other Mental Health Response Models

It's beneficial to compare Car 67 with other mental health response models to understand its unique position. For instance, Vancouver Police Department (VPD) has a long-standing program called Car 87, which also partners plainclothes officers with psychiatric nurses. Car 87, operational since 1978, responds to requests from patrol officers and outreach teams, providing assessments and referrals. Similarly, the VPD's Project Link, established in 2011, aims to shift from crisis response to community-based case management, preventing crises altogether. The Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Teams and Assertive Outreach Team (AOT) also work with individuals with complex mental health needs, offering comprehensive support and bridging services. However, Car 67, with its focus on uniformed officers paired with nurses for direct mobile crisis intervention, occupies a specific and critical niche in Surrey's mental health service landscape, directly addressing immediate needs on the street.

Key Personnel and Their Roles

Several key individuals and roles contribute to the effectiveness of Car 67:

• Psychiatric Nurses: These professionals are the clinical backbone of the team, providing expert assessments, intervention strategies, and connecting clients with ongoing care.
• RCMP Officers: They ensure safety, manage the scene, and provide a visible presence that can help de-escalate situations. Their familiarity with police protocols is invaluable.
• Cpl. Taylor Quee: As the manager of the Police Mental Health Intervention Unit, Cpl. Quee provides crucial leadership, oversees operations, and handles the most challenging cases, ensuring the program's strategic direction and effectiveness.
• Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team Constable: This role, recently added to expand the unit's capabilities, works collaboratively with Fraser Health to support individuals with complex needs.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite its successes, Car 67 faces challenges, primarily related to the immense demand for services. The desire to extend operational hours to 24/7 coverage indicates a recognition that mental health crises do not adhere to a schedule. Expanding the team and resources is a constant consideration to meet the growing needs of the community. Furthermore, fostering greater public awareness and understanding of mental illness remains an ongoing objective, encouraging community members to play an active role in supporting those in crisis. The success of Car 67 also serves as a model for other jurisdictions looking to implement similar integrated mental health response programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How many RCMP officers are assigned to Car 67?
A1: Three RCMP officers are assigned to Car 67.

Q2: What are the operating hours of Car 67?
A2: Car 67 operates seven days a week from 1 pm to 1 am.

Q3: Who does Car 67 serve?
A3: Car 67 serves residents of Surrey and Semiahmoo.

Q4: What kind of professionals are part of the Car 67 team?
A4: The team consists of uniformed police officers and psychiatric nurses.

Q5: What should I do if I see someone in mental health crisis?
A5: If the situation is an emergency, call 911. For non-emergency concerns, contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502.

Conclusion

Car 67 stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing critical community needs. By integrating the expertise of law enforcement and mental health professionals, this program provides essential support to individuals in crisis, leading to improved outcomes and a safer, more supportive community. The dedication of the teams involved, coupled with the ongoing need for such services, underscores the importance of initiatives like Car 67 in the modern landscape of public safety and mental healthcare.