New Rochelle PD Launches Mobile Crisis Response Team

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The New Rochelle Police Department has launched a team that will respond to calls about people who are having a mental crisis.

The Mobile Crisis Response Team is comprised of mental health professionals from the Guidance Center of New Rochelle who will respond along with, and in come cases in lieu of, police officers.

The initiative is part of the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health Services – Project Alliance.

New Rochelle police dispatchers, supervisors and police officers have been trained to assess risk level and determine whether a particular call may require a mental health professional to accompany police on a call.

Authorities said this coordinated approach will also address follow-up and connection with related resources such as car coordination, treatment and community services like housing and health care.

Police Commissioner Robert Gazzola said the goal of his department is to provide the best service for the community.

"We recognize there are instances where perhaps a law enforcement response is not the best option for a person in mental crisis," he said. "This partnership will help in individual in distress get the help they need and ensure the safest possible outcome."