Salinas, CA – Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto recently addressed criticism from a Civil Grand Jury regarding the department’s interaction and preparation for dealing with individuals experiencing mental health crises. Responding to the findings, Nieto identified both strengths and shortcomings in the assessment, highlighting ongoing efforts and strategic changes aimed at enhancing law enforcement response capabilities in Monterey County.
In a detailed memo to Monterey County Superior Court Judge Stephanie Hulsey, an adviser to the jury, Nieto acknowledged alignment with most of the jury’s observations but noted discrepancies in some aspects of the report. One significant area of concern was the report’s claim about insufficient Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training for deputies. According to Nieto, the number of deputies trained in such intensively focused interventions is indeed lower than ideal, but the representation of training opportunities was inaccurately narrow in the grand jury’s account.
To address this gap, the Sheriff’s Office is spearheading the development of an eight-hour Crisis Intervention course, expected to be operational by the year’s end, pending certification from the Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST). This state commission is crucial for endorsing law enforcement training programs. The new course structure aims to expand training opportunities, offering an abbreviated yet effective format that aligns with the jury’s recommendations for broader training access.
Nieto also refuted claims regarding outdated annual training plans. She highlighted that upon taking office in January 2023, her team rapidly identified the need for updated training protocols, leading to the formation of an Annual Training Plan well before the jury’s report was published. This proactive measure was aimed at ensuring deputies are well-equipped to handle crisis situations more effectively, safeguarding both public and officer safety.
Additionally, Nieto pointed out the broader systemic issue of law enforcement often becoming the default responders to mental health crises. She emphasized the fiscal and resource strain this places not only on law enforcement but on taxpayers as well. Nieto’s response detailed the significant number of inmates with mental health issues under the sheriff’s supervision, illustrating the overlap between criminal justice and mental health care.
She advocated for a more integrated approach involving various agencies, including the Behavioral Health Bureau, nonprofits, and Social Services. These organizations must work in tandem to provide comprehensive care and potentially divert individuals away from the criminal justice system. This call to action aligns with the county’s “Stepping Up” resolution, passed in 2019, aimed at reducing incarceration rates among individuals with mental health problems by improving linkage to treatment and reducing recidivism.
Financial challenges cast a shadow over these initiatives. Recent legislation redirected funds away from county services to increase housing availability for the mentally ill and homeless. This reduction in financial support presents additional hurdles in meeting the mental health needs within the community effectively.
Nieto’s response to the grand jury’s findings serves as an acknowledgment of both the strides made and the journey ahead in refining law enforcement’s role in mental health crisis intervention. Through ongoing training improvements and collaborative community efforts, Monterey County aims to foster a response system that adequately supports its residents in crisis while maintaining public safety.