Just over one year from its start, the West Shore RCMP's Mental Health Unit is continuing to see positive results, the RCMP says.
Fully staffed and established in April 2024, the unit consists of two Mobile Integrated Crisis Response Teams at the detachment, with one corporal, two constables, and two registered nurses from Island Health who specialize in mental health.
According to a news release, the teams meet with community members where they are, often in their homes. The officers and nurses help provide "a timely, supportive and empathetic approach to not only the person experiencing a crisis, but also to their families and caregivers."
In 2024, Greater Victoria's West Shore received 1,904 mental health-related service calls, a seven per cent increase compared to 1,782 service calls in 2023. Over the past six years, the region has experienced a 46 per cent increase in mental health calls for service, which include checking well-being, suicidal persons, Mental Health Act apprehensions, and calls for crimes committed by people in crisis.
"The MCIR provide an essential health-focused opportunity for people experiencing mental health and/or substance use issues that have come to police attention," said Rob Schuckel, manager of mental health and substance use for Island Health in a 2024 news release. "This team delivers clinical mental health and substance use assessments, immediate emotional support and system navigation while also providing education and awareness to families, police and other community services regarding trauma-informed crisis intervention."
The detachment says they, along with Island Health teams, strive to provide the right support at the right time via the best possible response.
