The Richmond RCMP “Fox 80” program pairs psychiatric nurses with officers when responding to mental health calls, offering an alternative approach to policing by providing resources to those who are vulnerable.
The RCMP’s Vulnerable Persons Unit (VPU) says the program’s goal is to approach crisis with compassion alongside psychiatric professionals from Vancouver Coastal Health.
“Having a psychiatric nurse in the car [speaks volumes] for us in terms of them understanding the client’s needs better,” said Sgt. Wanda Marion.
“It’s a more trauma-informed practice. The nurse can provide the information, talk to the person, conduct a full assessment within the safety of the police.”
The team patrols the streets seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and regularly conduct wellness checks on the city’s vulnerable population.
“If someone is in a mental health crisis, they’re not able to process information and commands like ‘get on the ground,’” said Jonny Morris, CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), BC Division.
“That can trigger an escalation in the police response, so being mindful of those situations and being able to respond effectively can prevent injuries and tragic fatalities.”
The CMHA says programs like Fox 80 are crucial for the education and de-stigmatizing of mental health needs. The organization is also leading its own community-led crisis responses known as “PACT” — Peer-Assisted Care Teams — as an alternative to policing. Currently operating out of Victoria, New Westminster, and the North Shore, the team has received more than 2,500 calls and hopes to expand throughout the province.